TobyMac released a heartfelt tribute to his son, Truett Foster McKeehan, after the 21-year-old’s sudden death this week.
TobyMac shared the things he loved about his son and his touching last moments with him. He also told his followers that he and his wife refuse to let this trial destroy their faith in God.
“Truett Foster Mckeehan had joy that took the room when he entered,” TobyMac wrote. “He was a magnetic son and brother and friend. If you met him, you knew him, you remembered him. His smile, his laugh, the encouragement he offered with words or even without. He had an untamable grand personality and dreams to match. And he hated being put in a box.”
Yesterday, the Tennessean reported that McKeehan died suddenly in his home Tuesday night or Wednesday, according to a representative. A cause of death had not been determined.
“He expressed himself through the music he made,” TobyMac’s post continues. “And by made I mean, written, recorded, produced, mixed, and designed the art. All of it. A true artist. His first show was a week ago, and it was nothing short of electric. Everyone felt it, everyone knew it. He could’ve easily taken the easy route and put music out when he was 12, 14, 16, even 18, but he always said he wanted to live some life and have something to say before he did it. He didn’t want to be a child star, he wanted to be a man with scars and a story to tell. I always admired, respected and encouraged that stand.
“Truett always had a soft spot for God. The Bible moved him. His heart was warm to the things of his King. He was by no means a cookie cutter Christian. But give me a believer who fights to keep believing. Give me a broken man who recognizes his need for a Savior every time. That’s who Truett was and how he should be remembered.
“My last moment with Truett in person was at his first show this past Thursday at the Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. I had to leave the next morning very early to fly and start our Canadian tour. As I stood in the audience and watched my son bring joy to a room, I was as proud as a ‘pop’ (as tru called me) could be. It was the culminating moment of a dream that he had since he was 12. It couldn’t have been sweeter. Our music, and what we say lyrically couldn’t be more different, but the outcome was much the same… offering a room full of people a few minutes of joy in a crazy world.
“Our last text exchange is shared above (swipe). My wife and I would want the world to know this… We don’t follow God because we have some sort of under-the-table deal with Him, like, we’ll follow you if you bless us. We follow God because we love Him. It’s our honor. He is the God of the hills and the valleys. And He is beautiful above all things.”
McKeehan was an aspiring Christian rapper who released music under the names Truett Foster, truDOG, TRU and Shiloh.
TobyMac left his weeklong tour in Canada to be with his wife and children. The rest of his concerts for this week have been postponed.
For TobyMac’s full post and the text message conversation he mentions, see below:
Several prominent Christian leaders and artists offered their condolences in response to TobyMac’s post.
Lauren Daigle wrote: “You have been on my team’s heart tonight. Words cannot heal the sorrow & grief, but just know, you are being lifted up. May the God of unimaginable comfort surround you & your family.”
“Love you, Toby,” Mandisa wrote. “Lifting you, Amanda, and the kids up.”
Tauren Wells said: “Been in tears today over this. Can’t imagine it. We love you and your family. Your example shines through even in this unthinkable tragedy. May the God of peace guard your hearts.”
“Love you guys so much,” Jeremy Camp said. “Heavy hearted and praying hard.”
Matthew West wrote: “These are powerful words and a beautiful tribute to your son. Toby, we love you, and our family is lifting your family up right now.”
The Christian band We Are Messengers wrote: “Beautiful post. We ache deeply with you @tobymac and your wonderful family. All our love. We are praying hard and staying in the fight with you.”
Please continue to pray for TobyMac’s family as they grieve their loss.
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