Toby Keith's Cancer Diagnosis Fully Explained

Before his tragic death in 2024, country music star Toby Keith was candid about his health struggles. The singer announced that he would be taking a step back from music to focus on his health after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2022. "I've spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover, and relax," he wrote in his statement on Instagram. "I am looking forward to spending time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can't wait."

In a social media post after his announcement, Keith expressed gratitude toward everyone who has sent him their well-wishes and get-well-soon prayers. "Thank you for all your love and support," he said. "I have the best fans in the world. – T." Since then, the "We Were In Love" singer gave updates on his stomach cancer diagnosis, and for a time, it sounded like things were looking up for the country crooner.

Speaking on CMT's "Hot 20 Countdown" months after his diagnosis, Toby Keith opened up about his grueling experience with cancer and keeping a positive attitude despite his circumstances. "I need a little bit of time to just rest up and heal up," he said at the time. He also confirmed his plans to return to music once everything was back on track with his health. "It's pretty debilitating to have to go through all that," he said, referring to his cancer treatments. "But as long as everything stays hunky-dory, then we'll look at something good in the future." 

At a gala for the "Toby Keith & Friends Golf Tournament" in June 2023, Keith shared a promising update on his health, saying things were looking up for him over a year after he started treatment. "I'm feeling pretty good," he told The Oklahoman. "Basically, everything is in a real positive trend." The country singer said he was determined to get back on stage and start touring again soon. "All I gotta do is see if I can get through two or three nights of work and get a little break in this chemo," he said. "We'll go back to work. I'm ready." Sure enough, Keith was back on stage just a couple of nights later for a special pop-up show at his Hollywood Corners bar in Norman, Oklahoma, according to Rolling Stone, performing in front of hundreds of fans for the first time since revealing his cancer diagnosis.

Amid his stomach cancer diagnosis, Toby Keith felt that the show must go on. The country superstar returned to the live stage for a three-night sold-out concert at Park MGM in Las Vegas on December 10, 11, and 14, 2023. The show — which he first announced in October — marked his first major performance since Keith took a backseat two years before to focus on his recovery. "They're kind of rehab shows — get the band back in sync, get me rolling again," he explained. "First time in my whole life I've been off over two years ... I've never been off a year in my life." He also talked a little bit about his health and described what life had been like since he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and COVID. "The old devil's been after me a little bit," he said. "I've got him by the horns right now, so instead of just sitting around and waiting, we're gonna get the band back together."

The exciting news came after Keith was honored with the Country Icon Award at the 2023 People's Choice Country Awards in September. Speaking with Extra on the red carpet, the singer-songwriter said he had never felt better. He also shared what kept him strong amid his ongoing struggles with his health. "Just my faith," he told "Extra," adding: "I've always rode with a prayer. As long as I have Him with me, I'm cool." 

Sadly, despite Toby Keith trying to remain positive amid his cancer diagnosis, the country singer died early in February. "Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage ... Please respect the privacy of his family at this time," a statement shared by his family announced via People. Tributes have poured in for Keith from fellow musicians. "My fellow Okie. You're so loved, Toby. We will all miss you so terribly. Dad and I sure did love seeing you on the field at the OU games. Rest easy — you fought a hell of a battle," Kristin Chenoweth wrote on Instagram. Zach Bryan tweeted, "too many rides in my old man's car listening to Toby Keith. really hard thing to hear. rest in peace friend we love you." Luke Combs simply tweeted, "Damn, RIP Toby. Can't believe it."

Prior to his death, Keith told News 9 that his stomach cancer is "a lot of dark hallways." Eventually, he had to come to terms with whatever outcome followed. "I was going through all the chemo, radiation, surgery, and I got to the point where I was comfortable with whatever happened. I had my brain wrapped around it, and I was in a good spot either way," he stated. Keith also praised his wife, Tricia Lucus for being his rock. "She's been a trooper. She stepped right in, took control, and said, 'We got this,'" he shared.