Toby Keith — $500 million man: Country music star’s career has earned him a fortune

OHMYGOSSIP — Toby Keith is rolling in cash! The country music star has earned a staggering $500 million since his career began, according to Forbes magazine.

The publication says Keith has earned $65 million in the last 12 months — the most of any country artist.

Keith has never earned less than $48 million a year in the past five years. During the same five-year span, his total earnings reached $270 million. Much of his wealth comes from touring, songwriting and album sales, as well as restaurant franchises bearing his name and his own line of mezcal.

Keith has  an estimated 10 percent stake in Big Machine Records, which was launched as a co-venture with Keith’s Show Dog label in 2005. That label partnership ended in 2006, but Keith’s financial stake continues.

Big Machine’s roster now includes Taylor Swift, The Band Perry and many other artists. Keith continues to record for Show Dog, which merged with Universal South in late 2009.

Back in 2008, Keith was forced to defended himself against claims one of his songs celebrates lynching.