TNA Wrestling ‘deeply saddened’ by death of country music legend Toby Keith

TNA Wrestling is “deeply saddened” by the death of country music star Toby Keith.

Keith passed away at 62 years old on Monday following a battle with stomach cancer. A statement released on Keith’s official website said that he “passed peacefully” while surrounded by his family.

While known for his music, Keith was also a pro wrestling fan whose friendship with Jeff Jarrett led to him performing at the first-ever TNA Wrestling event in 2002. Keith took part in angles on the first two NWA-TNA shows.

Later, Keith and Jarrett considered buying TNA or starting a new wrestling promotion together, but the idea was never able to come to fruition.

TNA posted a statement on Tuesday sending its condolences to Keith’s friends and family:

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of country music legend Toby Keith – who appeared on the very first TNA event. We offer our condolences to his friends and family.

Jim Ross, who was friends with Keith as well, posted the following: “My heart is heavy today upon hearing that my friend Toby Keith has left us. I’m so sad. A true man’s man. Boomer Sooner Big T.”

Keith also appeared as a guest host on the October 25, 2010 episode of WWE Raw.

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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.