Renowned country music artist Toby Keith has decided to open up about his health for the first time. In the autumn of 2021, the beloved singer received the diagnosis of stomach cancer and has been undergoing treatment ever since.
Using his social media platforms, Keith conveyed a message regarding his health, stating, “I’ve spent the last six months receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. So far, things are progressing well. I now need some time to recuperate and rest.”
Despite the health challenges he’s been facing, Keith expressed his gratitude to his friends and supporters, saying, “I’m looking forward to spending quality time with my family. But I’ll be back to see my fans sooner rather than later. I can hardly wait. -T.” The status of Keith’s upcoming scheduled performances remains uncertain following this announcement, with his next performance initially set for June 17 in Wheaton, Illinois, as mentioned on his website.
Subsequently, after Keith’s disclosure, the Ohio State Fair confirmed the cancellation of his July 28 event in Columbus, Ohio. Keith’s spokesperson, Elaine Schock, mentioned that there might be additional tour date cancellations but was unsure of the exact number. Keith’s website also announced the release of his latest album, “Peso in my Pocket,” which came out last year following a prolonged hiatus from touring due to Covid pandemic restrictions.
Keith shared that the inspiration for the songs on his album struck him spontaneously during his runs. “I’d review the song ideas on my phone before I started running and then take off,” he explained. “My time would pass quickly, and I’d have been continuously working through the song ideas in my head. When I got home, I’d turn on my phone’s recorder and capture whatever I could. It was a great time for me to write,” he added.
Toby Keith holds a prominent position in the music industry, having received the “National Medal of Arts” in 2021, described by the National Endowment for the Arts as “the highest honor presented to artists and arts supporters by the U.S. government.” The National Endowment for the Arts stated in a January 2021 press release, “Toby Keith is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and humanitarian who has undertaken 11 USO Tours to date.”
With 32 number-one singles to his name, veteran musician Keith has also performed for American troops deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. He has had the honor of performing for former presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush. Keith has been a dedicated advocate for cancer patients for a long time and will continue to be so. A decade ago, he established the Toby Keith Foundation to support ill children and their families. The foundation’s “OK Kids Korral” facility, which opened in 2014, offers a free, convenient, and comfortable place for children undergoing chemotherapy to stay. Among Keith’s most recognized songs are “Red Solo Cup” and “I Wanna Talk About Me.” Following the 9/11 attacks, his song “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)” propelled him to fame.