By now, everyone has heard the terrible news that Toby Keith passed away on February 5th of stomach cancer at the awfully young age of 62.

Realizing he could be a divisive figure to say the least, there are a couple of things that have stayed with me the past few days I want to share.

First is the most lovely and unexpected tribute from Stephen Colbert. It is just beautifully and perfectly said.

Second, there is his song that is being shared by so many now, “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”

The story he told of writing this song was that he was playing golf with Clint Eastwood – who would have been then in his late 80’s – and asked him how he kept going and working so hard, and Clint said, “I get up every day and don’t let the old man in.”

And that was it – Toby said he had to write it.

He gave it to Clint as a gift and Clint loved it so much that he used it in the credits for his film, The Mule.

As it turned out, Willie Nelson also fell in love with it and has recorded it on his most recent record, which meant a great deal to Toby.

To hear this song, for anyone of a certain age – or anyone living with chronic illness – it’s an incredibly moving piece, his best writing, I think.

He performed it last year at the People’s Choice Awards, when he was visibly quite ill – and the performance is breathtaking.

He was one of a kind – and will be missed.

Rest easy, TK.

Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Grace and Blessings.