Editor’s note: This is a statement written and released by TobyMac.
Truett Foster Mckeehan had joy that took the room when he entered. 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.
He expressed himself through the music he made. 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…
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.
How to Pray for TobyMac and His Family
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. -@tobyMac Share on X
- TobyMac Honors His Son Truett Through an Emotional Song “21 Years” - January 9, 2020
- TobyMac Shares Proud Memories of His Son, Truett - October 24, 2019
My heart aches for your family. I’ve just lost my 35 year old son in a tragic accident in August. He too was a sweetheart of a man, not a cookie cutter Christian, and also a broken man who carried some heavy burdens. He loved and lived through music. He was a drummer, played guitar, and teaching himself to play piano in the style of Jerry Lee Lewis. The day he passed away was a day that I can not even put in to words, but my life would never be the same. I remember leaving the hospital that night… Read more »
Absolutely beautiful ♥️
All the feels. ❤️
It is unfortunate when someone so young is taken from this world. Maybe they go willingly, perhaps not. Our loved ones leave their pain behind to go with the Lord and be happy. His family will miss him. His family will continue to love him but will lose the ability to hold him and love him daily on this planet. We know we will see all of our loved ones when we leave this world to go and be with God. We mustn’t worry about how God takes care of our loved ones. He put us on this planet, and… Read more »
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. A child is the most precious gift God gives us. Even though they are ours sometimes God has other plans. I pray that your memories with your son and of your son gives your family the strength to deal with this difficult time. I know we must always be ready since we don’t know the time or hour we will be call to meet our Lord. We always hope and pray that we will be call before our children. It sadden me so much to hear of your loss. My deepest… Read more »
Dear Toby…I am a big fan of yours. When I heard of your son, Tuett’s death on Christian radio the day after he died I cried. I, too, lost by 26 year old daughter in a horrific car accident in March of 2016. It was the most difficult thing my husband and I have ever experienced so I do know your pain very well. God has given me a strong passion now for reaching out to grieving parents as doing this has helped me to heal. Please know that I am praying for you and your family during the difficult… Read more »
I lost my son I. 2016, he was 18. I know this all too well. What a beautiful song. God bless you all and this journey isn’t easy but we all have a new ministry through this to be there for others who have lost a child.
To give us, those without your loss, an insight to your overwhelming grief, your raw emotions, your love of the Almighty is courageous. I have some friends in the same place. Thank you for sharing and for reminding me to keep these friends, and your family in my daily prayers. As you pray, look metaphorically to your left and right. We are praying with you and for you. I may not understand the depth of your pain and grief but I can prayer for you and my friends.
I am so very sorry for your loss, l know the pain too well. I lost my 1st born son May of 2017 and it’s a ” tragedy” l would never wish for anyone!!! The only ” Hope” that l hold onto qo l can get up & move forward each day, is that l know that l will see him in Paradise W h1n it’s my time to go home 4ever.🙏Prayers for you & your family my brother Toby & may God continue to “comfort & strengthen” you & all your loved ones. 💜🙏🙏🙏😥GodblessU✌Peace#C. Hicks P.S. My son’s name… Read more »