Toby Keith Announces Stomach Cancer Diagnosis

Country superstar Toby Keith is opening up to his fans about his health. The "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" singer announced in a statement shared on his official social media channels that he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and has been undergoing treatment for it.

"I've spent the last six months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery," the statement posted on Keith's official social media outlets reads. "So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax. I am looking forward to spending time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can't wait. -T"

There's no doubt that his fans will be understanding if he needs to take a little break while facing down such a serious health crisis. Keith is not known for taking it easy, though. The Oklahoma-born "Red Solo Cup" singer has been steadily releasing albums since his 1993 self-titled debut and been on the road for years entertaining fans across the country. He has also performed hundreds of shows for US service members abroad, including as part of the USO tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, as CNN points out.

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He released his latest album, Peso in my Pocket, just last year when he couldn't be on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As soon as touring started up, Keith was back at it and playing for fans. According to his official website, Keith is due to play the Ribfest in Illinois on June 17, but it is unclear whether he will need to postpone that date.

Keith undoubtedly has a good support system to tap into, as he has been an advocate for cancer patients for years. Back in 2006, he founded the Toby Keith Foundation to provide support for children with cancer and extended his good work with the opening of the OK Kids Korral in 2014 to provide "a cost-free, convenient and comfortable home for pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment."