Toby Keith Gives Major Update On His Battle With Cancer

Country music star joined the Bobby Jones Show to provide an update on his health for the first time since being diagnosed with stomach cancer last year.

In December, Keith returned to the stage at the Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas, headlining three-sold out shows for the first time since revealing his cancer diagnosis in June 2022. The three shows sold out in minutes, making them some of the fastest selling shows in the venue’s history.

During the recent podcast appearance, Keith provided a positive update on his health and thanked fans for their support. “I’m doing really good. It’s been a tough two years, but I think I’m turning a corner. I don’t know if you’re ever done with it [cancer], but I’m trying to be,” he said.

After a full year away from the music business, the country star described his return to the stage as “weird” at first. “And this is my 30th year in the [country music] business, so it was really weird just sitting here with your handcuffs on,” he said.

Toby Keith is getting his voice stronger everyday! https://t.co/TuRiyjdWDf

— New Country B107.5 (@NewCountryB1075) January 5, 2024

When asked what keeps him motivated, Keith shared a story about legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood after appearing in his 2019 film The Mule. 

“Several years ago the first event I played with him… I [asked], ‘What keeps you going at your age?’ He said, ‘I try to get up every day and be productive — not let that old man in.So I came home and said, ‘I’m going to write him a song. I didn’t know I was going to have to live those words in a few years,” he said.

“I feel pretty good. It’s a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and down. It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero, but I feel good today,” Keith went on to say of his health situation.

The singer added that he is still working on finding his voice and intends to perform more so long as the news remains positive.