Toby Keith shared a major update with fans regarding his recent stomach cancer diagnosis. The country star alarmed the world earlier this year when he told fans about the cancer diagnosis from last fall.
Breaking the news about his ailment, Keith said, “Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover, and relax.” He also informed fans that this would not be the end of the road for his performing career, saying, “I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait. -T”
Toby Keith is back in the news now after he became the first-ever winner of the Country Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards. In an interview before the award show, Keith spoke about his battle and gave an update on his health. He told ENews:
“I feel pretty good. It’s a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and gown. It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today.”
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Keith shared even more news about his condition and spoke about the role that in Faith in God has played in his recent mental well-being during tough times.
He said, “I lean on my faith and I just pray and lean into it. You gotta’ do what you gotta’ do, and I don’t know how people do it without faith … that’s what I did, it was my rock.”
Keith was presented with the Icon award by fellow country singer and close friend Blake Shelton in Las Vegas. Keith was incredibly complimentary of Shelton after the show when asked how he felt about receiving the honor.
“He’s who I would’ve chosen. He’s an old friend of mine, I was his first tour when he came out. We remain friends, we’re a lot of like … kindred spirits kind of thing.”
He also took a brief moment to reflect on the long time that he has spent writing songs and performing. He said, “30 years of all the songs I wrote, and they’re flashing by ya pretty quick. 30 went by pretty quick … I’m glad they’re recognizing our accomplishment.”
Country star Dustin Lynch spoke about Toby Keith’s legendary career, calling him, “One of my musical heroes, one of the reasons I moved to Nashville to want to write songs is Toby Keith. So, I’m looking forward to shaking his hand and telling him ‘Thank you’ again.”
Toby Keith has left a mark on country music throughout his career, and that is no more evident than when you see the outpouring of support from other members of the Nashville music scene. Though they are competitors, the rest of country music seems to hold reverence for Toby Keith, which is amazing to see. The constant support that he receives from the industry is undoubtedly a relief and something that drives him to push through his current circumstances.
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