Swift’s silence in the aftermath of Keith’s death is deafening. While celebrities like Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton rushed to post heartfelt messages about the country star, Swift hasn’t said a single word. Why is that?
After all, Keith played a pivotal role in Swift’s skyrocketing career. He was one of the key people who helped launch her career with Show Dog Nashville Records and Big Machine Records. Even though DreamWorks executive Scott Borchetta signed Swift, Keith was an integral member of the team.
In fact, Swift has openly expressed admiration for Keith in the past. In a 2012 interview with Nashville’s WSMV, she gushed about his presence, saying she could feel his power when he walked into a room. She even went so far as to say she’ll never stop being starstruck when she sees him.
Rest In Peace Toby Keith. He loved the USA. Here’s Taylor Swift talking about him in her 1st TV interview. pic.twitter.com/lVJ6vYqpM8
— Dan (@Dan2039612) February 6, 2024
So why the radio silence now? Some may argue that Swift is simply too busy with her sold-out concerts in Tokyo and cheering on her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, in the Super Bowl. But let’s not forget that Swift is no stranger to using her platform to speak out on important issues. She has been vocal about her political views and has even called out her former record label for not allowing her to perform her older songs at the American Music Awards.
With that in mind, it’s hard to believe that Swift hasn’t heard about Keith’s death. After all, he was a prominent figure in the country music world and his passing has been covered extensively by media outlets. So why hasn’t Swift taken a moment to pay her respects?
I listen to @taylorswift13’s music, and I disagree with her politically, but I have to say I’m more disgusted by her failure to acknowledge the death of the man who gave her her first big break as an artist at the age of 15. @tobykeith. True colors shown.https://t.co/URMvXLnqzk
— Heather Mullins (@TalkMullins) February 7, 2024
Could it be that she’s purposely avoiding the topic to stay out of the spotlight? Keith was a polarizing figure in country music and perhaps Swift doesn’t want to get involved in any potential controversies surrounding his death or stand up for someone who bolstered her career in light of her woke agendas.
Country music star John Rich called on pop star Taylor Swift to say something publicly about the Monday death of country music legend Toby Keith, whose work as a music executive helped launch her career. As of Wednesday morning, the 34-year-old had not issued any public… pic.twitter.com/zjh5M6a5rN
— mandala (@mandala_mandy) February 10, 2024
Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for sure: Swift’s silence on Keith’s passing is curious and raises eyebrows. Only time will tell if she will eventually break her silence, but for now, her absence among the many tributes pouring in for the late country star is noticeable.