Country music star Toby Keith took to social media Sunday to share that he has been battling stomach cancer and that while things are “good” for now, he will be taking a little time off.
Keith, 60, who helped establish the nonprofit group Ally’s House in 2004, which provides support to Oklahoma children with cancer and their families, posted a message on Twitter and Instagram.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” he wrote. “I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.”
“I am looking forward to spending this time with my family,” Keith added. “But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) June 12, 2022
He has continued performing throughout his cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery process, but the Ohio State Fair announced that Keith’s scheduled concert on July 28 has been canceled. The network added that it’s unclear if any additional show on his tour will be rescheduled or postponed.
Our hearts go out to Toby Keith as he courageously battles cancer. Tickets purchased from Ticketmaster for his #ohiostatefair show on July 28, which has been cancelled, will be automatically refunded. Any information about an alternate concert on July 28 is forthcoming. https://t.co/Qi7rl0UagL
— Ohio State Fair (@OhioStateFair) June 12, 2022
Ally’s House was named after Allison Webb, the two-year-old daughter of Keith’s original band member’s Scott Webb and wife Lisa, according to Fox News. Allison died in 2003 of kidney cancer before her third birthday.
And Keith’s involvement as an advocate for those battling cancer didn’t stop there. In 2006, the country music star established the Toby Keith Foundation “to encourage the health and happiness of pediatric cancer patients.”
Fellow country music star John Rich replied to Keith’s tweet to say, “Hang in there.”
Hang in there, @tobykeith👍 https://t.co/hAWFXj01GS
— John Rich (@johnrich) June 12, 2022
Here’s a sampling of other responses from Twitter, as prayers and well wishes poured in from fans, including a salty Marine who noted that Keith was the ONLY “badass” willing to come visit them in Fallujah, which saw some of the most intense combat after 9/11:
No stronger spirit, bigger fighter, tougher dude greater guy than Big T! Prayers and #Sooners Magic have you surrounded @tobykeith. https://t.co/5cTNOUgUU7
— Joe Castiglione (@soonerad) June 12, 2022
We’re with you in this fight Toby.
Sooner Nation has your back! https://t.co/SrSXCDEntE
— Oklahoma Sooners (@OU_Athletics) June 12, 2022
Saw you back on Feb 10th in San Antonio and I must say, I never would’ve thought anything was going on. You were absolutely amazing and charismatic as ever.
My father was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, so I know the fears & struggles. Speedy recovery & prayers💙 pic.twitter.com/qrr7NnMgiD— Kim (@sweetkimmygirl) June 12, 2022
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 Sending prayers for God’s healing and prayers for your strength and courage! So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Oklahoma will be praying for you and your family!
— Fran Whitsitt (@fkhall100) June 12, 2022
Family first @tobykeith real fans understand. Recover recuperate regenerate… God bless you and heal you
— ChristyCasey11 (@christy_casey11) June 12, 2022
2006 I was stationed in Fallujah Iraq. EVERYONE was afraid to go to Fallujah, senators, congress, even military leaders. The ONE person that did show up? Toby Keith, on Memorial Day. You’re a badass, cancer doesn’t have a fucking chance against you. Semper Fi, Sir.
— FAST-Racing (@FASTRacing2) June 13, 2022
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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