Toby Keith, the renowned country artist, recently shared an update on his battle with stomach cancer, two months after a poignant performance at the People’s Choice Country Awards. In 2021, Keith received the diagnosis but kept it private until June 2022.
Taking a hiatus from his music commitments, Keith concentrated on treatments and family. Despite making occasional appearances, he refrained from touring. In September, the artist received the Country Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards and delivered a moving rendition of “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” a song tied to Clint Eastwood’s film The Mule.
The emotional performance resonated with fans, as Toby Keith sang about aging and mortality, reflecting on his own challenging experiences. His wife, Tricia Covel, visibly moved, was present during the ceremony.
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Following the awards, “Don’t Let the Old Man In” gained immense popularity, becoming the most-added song at country radio. Now, Keith is preparing for a triumphant return with three comeback concerts in Las Vegas.
In a recent interview with Taste of Country, Keith shared insights into his cancer journey and future plans. Expressing his current well-being, he revealed he’s completed chemotherapy and is comfortable with his progress. Keith affirmed his determination not to let cancer define his life, expressing optimism about the future.
“Everything’s trending really well right now, and I’m not gonna let this define the rest of my life. If I live to be 100 or I don’t, I’m going to go forward. I’m feeling good and I’m off of chemo and I’m rolling. We’re just going business as usual, going forward.”
Confident and resilient, Keith declared his readiness for a return in 2024, emphasizing that he’s already gearing up for upcoming tours. Despite initial fears, he now faces the future fearlessly, looking forward to what lies ahead.
