Toby Keith reflected on his ‘roller coaster’ cancer journey before his death at 62
Toby Keith got candid about his stomach cancer months before his death at the age of 62.
The country singer died surrounded by his family on Feb. 5
In September, he told E! News at the People’s Choice Country Awards that his illness was “a little bit of a roller coaster.”
“You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and down,” he added.
“It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero, but I feel good today.”
The “Blue Moon” crooner’s family announced his passing on Monday, writing in a statement that he died “peacefully.”
“He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,” the note read on X, formerly Twitter.
Keith publicly revealed his stomach cancer diagnosis in 2022 and previously underwent chemotherapy and radiation. He opened up about his condition via Instagram at the time.
“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,” he went on. “But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”
Follow along with The Post's coverage of Toby Keith's death
- Country superstar Toby Keith died Monday at age 62 after a battle with stomach cancer.
- Keith kept performing until just two months ago when he performed three sold-out concerts in Las Vegas in December. Announced as his “triumphant return to the stage,” the trio of shows would ultimately be his last.
- In September, he said that his illness was “a little bit of a roller coaster.”
- Keith was instrumental in getting a young Taylor Swift signed to Big Machine Records, the sister label of Keith’s Show Dog Nashville. She also spoke about the importance of their partnership early in her career. “You’re in the room with him and you can feel it,” Swift said of her mentor.
Last year, Keith told the Oklahoman that he spent the first half of the year in chemo.
“I’m feeling pretty good . . . I’m about another eight weeks from my last scan. So, I expect next time I look for that tumor to be even less — and I’ve only got one that’s shown up,” he said.
The “Bullets in the Gun” singer continued: “Basically, everything is in a real positive trend. You never know with cancer, so you have to prepare. But my goal is, I feel better; I’ve got more wind.”
Keith’s last concert was on Dec. 14 in Las Vegas at the Park MGM.
He had two previous shows on Dec. 10 and 11 — and all three concerts were sold out. He celebrated the turnout via Instagram Dec. 28, calling the shows “a damn good way to end the year.”
Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucus, and their three children Shelley, Krystal and Stelen. He also leaves behind four grandchildren.