Toby Keith announces he has been battling a stomach cancer diagnosis
Toby Keith, a country music singer, stated last autumn that he has been battling stomach cancer for the past six months and has been getting therapy.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax,” he told fans in a statement posted to his Instagram and Twitter Sunday.
Keith, 60, concluded his statement by saying he’s looking forward to spending time with his family but acknowledged he’d “see the fans sooner than later.”
“I can’t wait,” he wrote.
Keith has been on the road in support of his new album and is slated to perform in Illinois and Michigan on June 17 and 18, while no changes to the program or cancellations have been announced. Keith’s performance schedule for the rest of the year was not immediately available. According to his website, his next concert will take place on June 17 in Wheaton, Illinois. Following Keith’s declaration, the Ohio State Fair canceled Keith’s July 28 concert in Columbus, Ohio.
Elaine Schock, Keith’s publicist, said in an email late Sunday that certain tour dates will be canceled, but she couldn’t say how many.
Since 2006, Keith’s nonprofit has aided children with cancer.