There are some headlines you’d never think you’d write. A decade ago, this was one of them. As a cancer survivor, I know far too well how heinous this disease can be. Toby Keith Covell put up a good fight and did it with class and grit, two things that defined him throughout his career. His songs are timeless, his laugh was memorable and he is one of the singular voices who got me into country music in the late 90s, early 2000s.

Toby Keith Covell was also dear to me as he shared three of my favorite passions: country music, college football and horse racing. His Dream Walkin’ Farm operation won close to 1,000 races over 20+ years for trainers such as: The Von Hemels, Bret Calhoun, Ted West, Kenny Smith, Nick Zito and others.

Of all his many hits, none impacted me more than “My List.” The video is a bit corny, the lyrics may be a trite but damn if it doesn’t hit at the heart of the matter. But given how ephemeral life on earth truly is, “My List” will always resonate.

UPDATE: Since his passing, the tributes have poured in. Prime Country on SiriusXM spent this entire week playing only his songs. And then there were tributes from current chart-toppers. First there was Darius Rucker, then there was Luke Combs.