by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: November 16, 2024
7 min read
7 min read
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The Keith family knows all too well the heartache and challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.
Less than a year after the country music legend Toby Keith passed away from stomach cancer, his daughter Krystal Keith is once again standing in the face of this disease—this time, to support a close friend.
Krystal, who is one of Toby’s three children and a country singer in her own right, recently revealed that her “sweet friend” Emily is battling cancer.
Emily is currently undergoing treatment in their shared hometown of Norman, Oklahoma.
If you followed Toby Keith’s cancer journey, you know that Krystal was one of his biggest supporters throughout his fight.
She stood by him every step of the way, offering love, encouragement, and a powerful voice to raise awareness.
Now, she’s turning that same energy and compassion toward Emily.
In an Instagram post, Krystal shared how the community could come together to help.
“There is a blood drive in her honor tomorrow to help lower the cost of transfusions she requires, and I hope to see y’all there!” she wrote, urging her followers to take action.
For Krystal, it’s not just about organizing an event—it’s about making a difference, both for her friend and for others facing similar battles.
She ended her heartfelt post with the hashtag #kickcancersbutt, a rallying cry that embodies her fighting spirit.
Krystal’s call to action wasn’t just for her inner circle—it was for everyone who could lend a hand.
“If you are near Norman, join me and many of our other friends in donating to help Emily,” she encouraged.
Blood drives like the one she’s supporting don’t just help lower costs for patients like Emily; they also save lives.
Every donation contributes to vital treatments, especially for those undergoing chemotherapy, which often requires regular transfusions.
Toby Keith’s battle with cancer became public in the summer of 2022 when he announced his diagnosis.
The iconic singer took time off to focus on treatment but made a powerful return to the stage in September 2023.
That evening, Toby accepted the Icon Awardat the first-ever People’s Choice Country Awards and performed his emotional hit, “ Don’t Let the Old Man In.”
The performance, as it turns out, was his last on television, and it left fans in awe of his strength and dedication to his craft.
Just a few months later, on February 5, 2024, Toby passed away at the age of 62, leaving behind an indelible legacy in country music and a grieving but proud family.
Krystal Ladawn Covel Sandubrae, better known as Krystal Keith, was born on September 30, 1985, to country music legend Toby Keith and Tricia Covel.
She has two siblings: a younger brother, Stelen Keith Covel, and an older half-sister, Shelley Covel Rowland, who was adopted by Toby.
Krystal first gained attention in 2004 when she sang a duet with her dad, performing “ Mockingbird ” at the Country Music Association Awards.
Afterward, she attended the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated before pursuing her music career.
In 2013, she signed with Show Dog-Universal Music and released her debut album Whiskey & Lace , which included the heartfelt single “ Daddy Dance with Me ,” a song she wrote for her wedding day.
Krystal married Andrew Sandubrae in 2007, and they have two daughters together.
Krystal hasn’t stopped honoring her father’s legacy. In August, she participated in an all-star tribute concert called Toby Keith: American Icon .
The event aired on NBC and featured some of the biggest names in country music, including Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, and Darius Rucker .
During the show, Krystal performed her father’s song “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” delivering a heartfelt rendition that resonated deeply with fans.
For many, it was a reminder of Toby’s enduring influence on both music and the people who loved him.
Krystal’s efforts to support Emily highlight a beautiful truth: even in the face of loss, the Keith family continues to channel their pain into purpose.
Krystal’s commitment to making a difference reflects the same values her father held dear—compassion, resilience, and community.
As she rallies people to join the blood drive and support Emily, Krystal is proving that Toby’s legacy lives on—not just in his music, but in the way his family continues to uplift those in need.
Krystal’s story is a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments , we have the power to make a difference.
Whether through organizing events, donating blood, or simply offering a shoulder to lean on, every act of kindness counts.
For those in Norman, Oklahoma, this is a chance to show up and make an impact.
And for everyone else, it’s an inspiring call to action: we can all do something to help kick cancer’s butt.
Song Title | Release Year | Album | Notable Achievements |
---|---|---|---|
Should’ve Been a Cowboy
|
1993 | Toby Keith | Keith’s debut single; became one of his signature songs. |
How Do You Like Me Now?!
|
1999 | How Do You Like Me Now?! | His first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. |
Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)
|
2002 | Unleashed | Anthemic post-9/11 song that reached No. 1 on the country charts. |
I Love This Bar
|
2003 | Shock’n Y’All | A fan favorite and a chart-topping single. |
American Soldier
|
2003 | Shock’n Y’All | A patriotic tribute to U.S. soldiers, resonating deeply with fans. |
As Good As I Once Was
|
2005 | Honkytonk University | Reached No. 1 on the country charts and became a party anthem. |
Red Solo Cup
|
2011 | Clancy’s Tavern | A fun, party-themed song that became a hit with country fans. |
Beer for My Horses
|
2003 | Unleashed | A duet with Willie Nelson that reached No. 1 on the country charts. |
Made in America
|
2011 | Clancy’s Tavern | A patriotic anthem celebrating American pride. |
Don’t Let the Old Man In
|
2018 | The Bus Songs | A reflective song about aging and living life to the fullest. |
Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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