Country music artist Toby Keith shared his battle with a serious illness a little over a year ago, and he now expresses optimism about his health, stating that he’s feeling “quite well” and that he sees a positive trajectory.
In a recent conversation with The Oklahoman, Keith emphasized the unpredictable nature of his condition, saying, “With cancer, you can never be sure, so it’s important to be prepared.”
Keith expressed his desire to resume touring by the end of this year, but acknowledged that it depends on whether he can muster the energy to perform an entire show. He mentioned, “I just need to see if I can manage a few consecutive nights of work and have a brief break from the chemotherapy. Then we can get back to business.”
The artist revealed that he is still undergoing chemotherapy for stomach cancer, but he is feeling better overall. He shared that his blood tests have shown improvement, and his tumor has shrunk by one-third, as reported by The Oklahoman. “I have about eight more weeks until my next scan,” Keith mentioned. “I anticipate the tumor will have decreased even further by then, especially considering that only one has been detected so far.”
Keith initially disclosed his stomach cancer diagnosis in the autumn of 2021. In June 2022, he provided an update, saying, “Over the past six months, I have been receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and undergoing surgery. So far, things are progressing well. I need time to catch my breath, recover, and relax.”
When Keith made his announcement, fellow musician Jason Aldean expressed support on social media, writing, “Man, that’s tough news. But if anyone can overcome cancer, it’s you. Sending prayers your way, big man.” Keith did not share any further updates on his health for the next six months. Eventually, during an interview with CMT Hot 20 Countdown, he explained that he “needed some time to rest and heal.”
Dealing with such a challenging journey has been difficult for Keith, as he mentioned, “It’s been quite debilitating to endure all of this. But as long as things continue to progress positively, we can expect good things in the future.”
