Keith hopes to return to the road again soon
Country superstar Toby Keith says he’s “feeling pretty good” after undergoing treatment for stomach cancer last year. The diagnosis forced the Oklahoma native to cancel all 2022 Country Comes To Town Tour while he recovers. Last fall, Keith treated a small crowd to his first public performance since the diagnosis when he performed an impromptu of Otis Redding’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in Lexington, KY in November. He also honored with the BMI Icon Award at the exclusive black-tie gala in Nashville. However, he’s made few public appearances over the past year, and recent pictures show the drastic weight loss that has fans concerned for patriotic star.
In a new interview with The Oklahoman, Keith says he’s feeling better, but out of the woods yet.
“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,” Keith says of the cancer. “Basically, everything is in a real positive trend. You never know with cancer, so you have to prepare.”
As for music, he adds, “My goal is, I feel better. And I’m thinking about bringing the band in and setting up.”
The interview was conducted the first weekend in June at the annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic, which raised a record $1.8 million for the families of children battling cancer in the Oklahoma City area. All-in, the event has raised almost $18 million to support OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home-away-from-home for children and families seeking treatment.
Also, Keith’s 2003 five-week No. 1 single, “I Love This Bar,” has crossed 100 million Spotify streams. Co-written by Keith with Scotty Emerick, the song was the lead single from his quadruple Platinum Shock’n Y’all album. Last month, Keith was awarded 20 Gold and Platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) of 17 singles, 15 of which were written by Keith including five solo writes.
Keith is staying busy off the road. He recently acquired Luck E Strike, a bait and tackle brand name as ingrained with top tier anglers as it is with weekend recreationalists. The brand has newly redesigned merchandise available in time for the July 4th holiday. Rebranded in its new red, white and blue color scheme, Luck E Strike fans can pre-order t-shirts, sweatshirts, keychains, decals and more individually or in bundles available on the website. Luck E Strike is endorsed by National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Famer Jimmy Houston and operated by sporting goods industry vets Jeff Williams and Todd Hempen. Krystal Keith, Toby’s daughter, is also helping guide the brand’s e-commerce and web development.
