'He Lived To The Fullest': Robin Marsh Reflects On Interviewing Toby Keith

Oklahoma country music star Toby Keith died on February 5, after a battle with stomach cancer.

Robin Marsh from News 9 in Oklahoma City recently sat down with Toby Keith, in what has now become one of his final interviews.

She joined LeAnne Taylor and Tess Maune to talk more about his life and legacy.

Robin said she was heartbroken when she received the news about Toby's death.

"I got the text (Tuesday) morning from a dear friend of mine that Toby Keith had passed away, and you know, 62 years young, just too young. But, boy, he's left a lifetime of memories, a legacy through his music, and what he loved about our country and our troops," Robin said.

She said Toby gave us all a lesson about how to live.

"I think Toby Keith was at peace with whatever happened. And you know, none of us are guaranteed how many days we're going to have here on this earth. But he showed us how to live," Robin said.

Robin recalled the Toby Keith concert she attended in Las Vegas in December of 2023. She said his health hadn't been good, but he was full of life.

"He acted like it was his first concert he had ever given. And he was so full of life, so full of his music. And at first I thought maybe Toby was doing it for him." Robin continued, "but after experiencing that concert in Las Vegas, and after really reflecting on my interview with him, I think he did all of this so unselfishly. And (he) did it for the fans who love his music. (He) did it for the fans who love how he stands for America and our country. And (he) did it for all of those who don't have a voice in fighting a battle with cancer."

Robin talked with Toby about his OK Kids Korral and Toby Keith Foundation. Toby worked to help families going through their own cancer battles.

"In one night here in Oklahoma City last year, they raised more than $2 million for the Toby Keith Foundation for the OK Kids Korral," Robin said.

Robin said Toby's message was truthfully about his faith. He told her that he learned to lean on his faith everyday.

"I mean, we all go through tough times in life. And we all have struggles and fights. But I think the way Toby handled this, especially in these last few months, really should just be a reminder for all of us today to hug tighter to the people that we care about, to tell the people that we love that we do love them, and to make memories. And I think that's what he did in those final moments with the concerts in Las Vegas that he did for the three nights. You know, he was at an OU basketball game just a couple of weeks ago. And, you know, to the very end, he lived to the fullest. And I think that's my takeaway this morning," Robin said.

Related Stories:

1. Toby Keith Dies At 62: 'He Fought His Fight With Grace And Courage'
2. Toby Keith Opens Up About His Cancer Battle And Decades-Long Career
3. Exclusive Interview With Toby Keith: A Look At His Career From The Beginning