The image was accompanied by an emotional tribute giving insight into Toby’s “strong” personality.

“You are the strongest man I have ever known,” Stelen wrote: “A fighter. A true titan of your industry. My guiding star. My coach. My hero. An embodiment of the American Spirit.”

Related

• Toby Keith’s family in photos – from his rarely-seen 3 children to his wife© Provided by Hello! Canada
  

  Toby Keith’s family in photos – from his rarely-seen 3 children to his wife

• Toby Keith’s son’s emotional last photo with famous dad is flooded with sympathetic messages from fans© Provided by Hello! Canada
  

  Toby Keith’s son’s emotional last photo with famous dad is flooded with sympathetic messages from fans

He continued: “You are a man whose strength, prowess, and talent could only be trumped by his ability to be a father and husband.

“Your impact is forever stamped on the world and on millions of people, yet not one person knew you the way I did. You were my biggest champion and the guiding light in my darkest times. The best mentor a man could ask for.

Toby Keith surrounded by his family – including his son Stelen – back in December© Provided by Hello! US

“You held a passion that was greater than mountains and it radiates through every lyric and chord. In the everlasting echo from the legacy of your music, you leave me strength and faith to lean on in the silence that follows.

“You truly did it your way, from the starting gates to the finish line, and never apologized for it. The only thing I truly ever wanted in life was to make you proud. I promise I will continue to make you proud.”

Toby Keith’s son’s final photo online with his beloved dad© Provided by Hello! US

He concluded: “It’s not goodbye forever; it’s just goodbye for now.”

Stelen is an entrepreneur who co-owns several businesses. He married the love of his life, Haley Covel in Las Vegas shortly before Toby announced his cancer diagnosis. 

The 26-year-old is Toby’s youngest son, and he was also a father to two daughters with his wife Tricia Lucas.

Toby and wife Trisha at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards© Provided by Hello! Canada

Toby’s journey to parenthood began with the adoption of Tricia’s daughter, Shelley, 43, following their marriage in 1984.

The couple then welcomed Krystal, 38, in 1985 and Stelen in 1997.

His family announced Toby’s passing with a heartfelt statement that read:  “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”