Toby Keith is being open about his battle with cancer.
After being diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021, the 61-year-old country singer announced his fans in June 2022 that he would be taking a break from music to undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Keith revealed in a forthcoming interview with CMT Hot 20 Countdown that he is optimistic about his future. This will be Keith’s first interview after revealing his illness, and he stated, “I need a little bit of time to just rest and heal up.”
“Having to go through all of that is quite debilitating,” he remarked, “but as long as everything stays hunky-dory, then we’ll look at something nice in the future.”
Keith said on Instagram over the summer, “During the past half year, I have undergone chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery to treat my cancer. So far, so good. I need some breathing space as well as time to recuperate and relax.”
“I’m excited to spend this time with my family,” he said. “I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity. However, I won’t keep you waiting too long, fans. I just can’t wait.”
Keith thanked people who had backed him in a subsequent tweet, stating, “I am grateful for all of the support and love you have given me.” “I am lucky to have the most ardent fans on the planet.”
Keith played for his fans at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in Lexington, Kentucky, earlier this month, singing songs like “I Love This Bar” and Lynyrd Skynard’s “Sweet Home Alabama.”
The restaurant’s owner shared a photo from the event on social media, along with a message congratulating Keith on his cancer victory and return to the stage.
Keith was honored a few days later at the 2022 BMI Awards with the BMI Icon Award, and he was honored with tribute performances from singers such as Carrie Underwood and Eric Church.
On Giving Tuesday, the “Red Solo Cup” singer shared a touching photo of himself with a cancer patient and thanked his fans for their contributions to the Toby Keith Foundation. Keith founded the non-profit in 2006 in order to help children who were facing cancer.
He disclosed that the most recent donations will go to the OK Kids Korral, which he founded in 2014 to provide “a cost-free, convenient, and comfortable home for children cancer patients getting treatment.” He described it as “a home for pediatric cancer sufferers receiving care that is free, convenient, and comforting.”
