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

Posted: Feb 8th 2024 By: Joseph Currier

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.