Country music artist Toby Keith is updating his fans on his health in a significant way while also disclosing a secret he’s been keeping to himself.
The 60-year-old musician revealed his stomach cancer diagnosis from last year in a new Instagram post on Sunday. He made a brief announcement through Instagram, saying, “I’ve spent the last six months getting chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. It’s been good thus far. I require some time to rest, heal, and breathe.
I am excited to spend this time with my family, he continued. But I’ll definitely run into the fans shortly. I am impatient.
Many expressions of support were left in response to Toby’s succinct but powerful revelation, and fans, fellow country musicians, and other celebrities flooded the comments with wishes for his speedy recovery. Much love coming your way, Toby,” commented Cody Alan, a host for CMT. Big & Rich of the country combo tweeted John Rich, “Hang in there, @tobykeith.”
But, several fans also raised questions about why the country artist held off on disclosing his health in the comments and elsewhere on social media. Other people questioned whether he was seriously hurt. “I pray God gives him the strength to get through this; apparently this has gone on for several months now,” one Twitter user wrote.
Another person chimed on, “That’s a scary diagnosis, but I have faith you can get through it.” Others shared their best wishes for remission, saying: “Very sorry to read about Toby Keith’s cancer. I pray for his well-being and that he will be rid of this terrible illness, one supporter wrote.
Although it makes sense to be curious and worried about Keith’s deteriorating health, there is a more likely explanation for Toby’s decision to share his diagnosis at this time. The singer of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” was set to launch his best-hits tour, Country Comes to Town, this month. He will likely postpone or cancel the concert as a result.
Although Toby didn’t specifically address tour news in his Instagram post, the singer’s spokesperson reportedly stated that he won’t be performing any upcoming performances “for now” according to USA Today. Likewise, Toby’s performance at the Ohio State Fair on July 28 was canceled, according to the fair’s organizers, who also tweeted about it. The statement reads, “Our hearts go out to Toby Keith as he courageously battles cancer.”
Toby’s desire for “time to breathe, recoup, and relax” is perhaps an understatement, since any added stress from a demanding tour may affect scheduled chemotherapy and radiation treatments, as well as surgery, even if he hasn’t yet specified his exact course of treatment.
In accordance with information provided by the American Cancer Society, chemotherapy is used as a kind of treatment for stomach cancer in cycles, “with each session of treatment followed by a rest period to allow the body time to recuperate,” whereas surgery is complicated and fraught with risks.
Like Toby, we are eagerly anticipating his return to the audience “sooner than later,” but in the meantime, we are sending him our best wishes for a quick recovery.
