To pursue his dreams, Toby Keith formed a band called Easy Money. When he wasn’t working in the oil fields, he would tirelessly perform his songs at various clubs and venues, striving to make a mark in the music industry.
At a local bar, destiny intervened during one of these performances, and he crossed paths with his future wife, Tricia Lucus.
Upon meeting Lucus, the two spent an entire night dancing, forging a connection that would endure the test of time. At the time, Lucus was a 19-year-old secretary for an oil business.
In a June 2001 interview, she candidly shared the qualities that attracted her to Toby Keith, describing him as an exuberant and self-assured individual.
After three years of dating, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows on March 24, 1984, solidifying their commitment. In 1980, Lucus had given birth to a daughter from a previous relationship, and Toby Keith wholeheartedly embraced her as his child.
As circumstances would have it, Toby Keith’s oil company employer faced financial turmoil during this time, prompting him to make a life-changing decision.
Driven by his unwavering passion for music, he resolved to fully dedicate himself to his music career, even in the face of daunting financial struggles.
He often reassured his wife with unyielding confidence in his abilities, saying, “Trish, one of these days, my time is coming. Hang in there.”
The couple encountered pressure from creditors and faced the unsolicited advice of many who urged Lucus to encourage Keith to find “a real job.”
However, they remained resolute, refusing to abandon their dreams. Toby Keith, known for his hit song “As Good as I Once Was,” frequently expresses gratitude for his wife’s unwavering support and ability to tune out the skeptics.
He remarked, “It took a strong-hearted and loving woman to say, ‘He’s good enough at his music that I’ve got to let him try.’”
