Toby Keith Reveals Stomach Cancer, Taking Break After Treatment


Toby Keith
Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

A necessary hiatus. Toby KeithHe said he is now taking a step back after being treated for stomach cancer.

“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” the country crooner, 60, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, June 12. “I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good.”

Despite his treatment, Keith didn’t stop playing concerts. He performed at the Heroes Honor Festival in Daytona Beach in Florida on Memorial Day Weekend and at the San Antonio Rodeo in February. He also attended The 2022 Toby Keith and Friends Golf Classic in May, which raised more than $1.38million for charity. After six months of treatment, the star is ready to take a much-needed vacation.

“I need time to breathe, recover and relax,” the “Red Solo Cup” singer explained. “I am looking forward to spending this time with my family.

Keith and his wife Tricia LucusThey were married in 1984. They had three children together, daughters Shelley Covel Rowland42, and Krystal Keith, 36, and son Stelen Keith Covel, 25. Toby also has several grandkids.

Though he’ll be spending his hiatus with his loved ones, the Grammy-nominated vocalist assured his loyal followers that this is just temporary. “But I will see the fans sooner than later,” he added. “I can’t wait.”

Toby Keith Reveals Stomach Cancer Battle Led to Chemotherapy, Radiation and Surgery: 'I Need Time to Breathe, Recover and Relax'

Toby Keith
AFF-USA/Shutterstock

Taking a break isn’t typical for the National Medal of Arts recipient. Toby said that he was the one who wrote his most recent album. Peso In My Pocket, released October 2021 while being held in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My whole musical career, I haven’t been off the road this long, so it’s a reset button I never would have hit,” the country artist said via his website. “I’d probably have kept going like that till I died. But you realize that trying to figure out what relevant means isn’t important. That’s not real.”

Before he had fans around the world, he had one primary supporter — his wife. In a 2015 cover story, Toby recalls how Tricia believed in him when no one else did. Country Weekly.

“Dozens of people told Tricia, ‘You need to go tell your old man to get a real job,’” he said at the time via The Boot. “It took a strong-hearted and loving woman to say, ‘He’s good enough at music that I’ve got to let him try. And it’ll be a great shot for both of us if he can make it work.’”

The star added, “I absolutely love performing and writing songs, but being at home with my wife, Tricia, and my three kids is the best feeling of all.”

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