Toby Keith's Inspiring Journey: Conquering Stomach Cancer Against All Odds
Country singer Toby Keith opens up about his battle with stomach cancer, sharing his journey in his own words From receiving the diagnosis to finding support and staying positive, he discusses the debilitating nature of the disease and his hopes for the future
Toby Keith has been dedicated to combating stomach cancer ever since he received his initial diagnosis. In June 2022, the renowned singer of "Red Solo Cup" took to Instagram to share the news and express his plans to temporarily step away from performing while he focuses on recuperating. He revealed that he has undergone six months of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and thankfully, the progress has been positive. Now, he emphasizes the importance of taking time to rest, recover, and rejuvenate.
Keith, who tied the knot with Tricia Lucus in 1984 and has three children with her, openly shared his strenuous struggle as he recuperated from his medical procedures.
In a subsequent December interview on CMT Hot 20 Countdown, the Oklahoma-born individual expressed his desire to regain his fighting form, stating, "I'm contemplating returning to a state of physical wellness. I just require some downtime to recharge and recover."
He remarked that the experience was quite draining, but as long as everything remains positive, they will anticipate good things to come in the future.
The renowned musician, a nominee for the Grammy Award, achieved stardom in April 1993 when he unveiled his first album, titled after himself. Notably, Toby Keith's breakthrough release included the chart-topping hit "Should've Been a Cowboy."
"We were actually at either the Long Branch Saloon or Miss Kitty's Saloon, something related to Gunsmoke," Keith remembered in a December 2018 interview with Billboard, reflecting on his songwriting process for "Should've Been a Cowboy." "I met this highway patrolman named John during the trip. He was probably around 45 or 50 at the time, and he suddenly gets up and runs over to a 25-year-old cowgirl, eager to show off his dance moves. Unfortunately, she rejects him. He comes back over to us and says, 'She says she doesn't dance.' But about 15 minutes later, a young cowboy comes in and takes her to the dance floor. Everyone starts teasing him, and one of the guys says, 'John, I guess you should have been a cowboy.'"
Keith continued, "That got me thinking, 'I bet you never heard Marshal Dillon having any trouble with women because Miss Kitty was always interested.' I just started writing and before I knew it, Jesse James riding shotgun and Gene and Roy were part of the story. It all came together in about 20 minutes."
The actor from "Broken Bridges" has consistently produced music over the years, with a total of 19 albums and two holiday LPs. Keith's enduring career has served as an inspiration for numerous other musicians, who have expressed their support during his health crisis.
"I've spoken to individuals within his inner circle," shared Trace Adkins with Extra in August 2022. "From what I gather, his morale is high and he is managing as well as can be expected."
Scroll below for more of Keith’s quotes about her cancer battle:
Credit: Drew Altizer Photography/Shutterstock
Country Singer Toby Keith’s Battle With Stomach Cancer in His Own Words: 'It's Debilitating'
Toby Keith has been dedicated to battling stomach cancer since his initial diagnosis. In June 2022, the singer of "Red Solo Cup" shared on Instagram that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and expressed his plan to take a break from performing in order to focus on his recovery. Over the past six months, he has undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, with positive progress thus far. He emphasizes the importance of taking time for himself to regain strength and find relaxation.
Keith, who tied the knot with Tricia Lucus in 1984, has three children with her. Throughout his recovery from the medical procedures, he never shied away from discussing his challenging struggle.
"I'm considering getting back into top form," the Oklahoma-born musician revealed in an interview on CMT Hot 20 Countdown in December. "I just need some time to recuperate and get better."
He added, "It is quite disabling to have to experience all of that, but as long as everything remains positive, we will anticipate something great in the future."
The acclaimed artist Toby Keith, a nominee for the prestigious Grammy Award, gained prominence in April 1993 when his self-titled first album was released. Notably, Toby Keith included the hit single "Should've Been a Cowboy" which topped the charts. He is a proud father to daughters Shelley and Krystal, as well as son Stelen, whom he shares with his wife.
Keith remembered his songwriting process for "Should've Been a Cowboy" during an interview with Billboard in December 2018. He recalled being at either the Long Branch Saloon or Miss Kitty's Saloon, both related to the TV show Gunsmoke. While he was there, a highway patrolman named John caught his attention by attempting to impress a young cowgirl on the dance floor. However, she rejected him, leading Keith and others to mockingly suggest that John should have been a cowboy. Shortly after, a young cowboy arrived and whisked the cowgirl away to dance. This experience inspired Keith to write the song, incorporating references to Marshal Dillon, Miss Kitty, Jesse James, and other iconic figures, all within a span of about 20 minutes.
Content: The actor from "Broken Bridges" has consistently pursued his passion for music, having released 19 albums and two holiday LPs over the years. Keith's enduring career has served as an inspiration to numerous recording artists, who have shown their unwavering support during his health scare.
"I've personally spoken to individuals within his close circle," shared Trace Adkins with Extra in August 2022. "Based on what I've heard, his spirits remain high and he is managing as well as can be expected."
Scroll below for more of Keith’s quotes about her cancer battle:
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Receiving His Diagnosis
Keith revealed on June 12, 2022, that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in the autumn of 2021. In an Instagram post, he expressed, "Over the past six months, I have undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Things have been going well thus far."
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Time to ‘Breathe’ After Treatment
After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, the Beer for My Horses star announced that he was taking a break from performing and making new music.
"I am in need of some time to take a breath, rejuvenate, and unwind," he penned in June 2022. "I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to dedicate this period to my loved ones. However, I will be reconnecting with my fans sooner rather than later. I am filled with anticipation!"
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Plenty of Support
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"I am incredibly grateful for the immense love and support I have received. Without a doubt, I can proudly say that I have the most amazing fans in the entire world," expressed the artist behind the beloved track "I Love This Bar" through an Instagram post on June 14, 2022, just a few days after disclosing his diagnosis.
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Staying in ‘High Spirits’
Keith was quietly fighting his cancer while Adkins provided a health update and showed his support for his friend's recovery.
"I haven't had the chance to speak to him personally, but I've been in touch with some individuals in his inner circle," shared the Monarch actor with Extra in August 2022. "From what I've gathered, his spirits are high, and he's holding up as well as one could expect. Toby is resilient, like a tough $5 steak. He'll be fine. I adore Toby."
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A ‘Debilitating’ Battle
Keith Reveals the Challenges of His Health JourneyIn a groundbreaking revelation, Keith discussed his treatment publicly for the very first time in December 2022. During an appearance on the CMT Hot 20 Countdown, the talented star opened up about the difficulties he faced while recuperating, describing his health journey as "quite incapacitating."
He said at the time: “I’m thinking about getting back in fighting shape. I need a little time to just rest up and heal up.”
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Looking Toward the Future
"I'm feeling great. Everything is going really well. Cancer is unpredictable, so I need to be prepared," the country singer shared with The Oklahoman in June 2023. "I have more energy now. I'm even considering bringing the band together and performing for two or three consecutive days, just to test myself if I can handle a two-hour show. All I need is to see if I can manage working a few nights and getting a short break from chemotherapy, then we'll get back to work."
Keith also confirmed that he is still undergoing chemotherapy for his stomach cancer, but his blood tests have shown improvement and his tumor has decreased in size by one-third.
"I'm about another eight weeks from my last scan," he added. "So I expect next time I look for that tumor to be even less — and I've only got one that's shown up."
