“Behind every great man is a greater woman,” so the saying goes. And the story of Toby Keith and his wife, Tricia, is proof that it’s true.

Toby Keith has had one of the most successful careers in country music, and out of country music. In addition to being a multi-platinum-selling artist, Toby is a successful restauranteur, has a line of clothing, and is an astute businessman. The partnership between his record label, Show Dog-Universal and Big Machine Records, made the musician one the wealthiest celebrities in the United States.

Much of Toby Keith’s success can be attributed to Tricia Lucus, Toby’s wife of nearly 40 years.

The couple first met at an Oklahoma nightclub in 1981 and married in 1984. They share three children, Shelley (born to Tricia in 1980 and adopted by Toby in 1984), Krystal (born in 1985), and Stelen Keith (born in 1997).

When they married, Toby was working as an oil field worker earning $50,000 a year. After hours Toby played local clubs, and when “the oil fields went bust,” he switched his focus to music full-time.

As his popularity grew, Tricia raised their family and pinched pennies to make ends meet.

“He’d say, ‘Trish, one of these days, my time is coming. Hang in there,’” Tricia told PEOPLE.

And Toby Keith‘s time did come when his self-titled debut album launched him to superstardom in 1993. His debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” was the most played song of the ’90s. His first four albums reached gold status or higher followed by a string of multi-platinum albums.

Tricia has mainly stayed behind-the-scenes during Toby’s rise to superstardom, but has played a vital role in his career and in his philanthropic endeavors.

She has been a co-writer on some of Toby’s songs and has also helped with the production of some of his music videos. Tricia actively works with the Toby Keith Foundation where she serves as Vice-President on the Board of Directors.

In a 2001 interview with PEOPLE, Tricia opened up about her husband, saying: “Most people think he is just the most romantic person on the planet. He has his moments of charm. It is nice to get a bouquet of flowers, but I’ve told him, ‘Save the money. Roses die in five to seven days. Buy me an outfit or take me to dinner.’”

Toby credits his success to Tricia whom he calls a “strong-hearted and loving woman.”

“Dozens of people told Tricia, ‘You need to go tell your old man to get a real job,’” he told Country Weekly. “It took a strong-hearted and loving woman to say, ‘He’s good enough at music that I’ve got to let him try. And it’ll be a great shot for both of us if he can make it work.’”

Tricia is a successful businesswoman in her own right! She is the founder and creator of SwingDish, a luxury golf clothing brand for women. With the help of her daughters, Krystal and Shelley, Tricia created the golf and activewear fashion line that includes golf accessories for women.