Country music star Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer back in 2022. Now, in February 2024, Keith’s family has announced the sad news that he has lost that battle. He was 62 years old.
On February 6, his family announced Keith’s death on X (formerly Twitter). The statement reads, “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 6, 2024
Keith originally announced the news of his cancer diagnosis on Instagram. On June 12, 2022, he wrote, “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.”
Back in 2023, at the People’s Choice Awards, Keith talked to E! News about his cancer battle. At the time, he said, “I feel pretty good.” He added, “It’s a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and gown. It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today.”
Keith was at the awards show to accept the Country Icon Award. He said, “It’s nice to recognize my 30-year career.”
Due to his cancer battle, Keith didn’t perform for two years, but he tried to make a comeback in December 2023, just two months ago. In a video on YouTube, he said, “I’m doing a little deal and thought I’d start in the great Las Vegas. It’ll be my first two shows. They’re kind of rehab shows — get the band back in sync, get me rolling again.” He added, “First time in my whole life I’ve been off over two years. I’ve never been off a year in my life.”
Keith shared his most recent update on YouTube just 6 days ago. In the video, he talked about “the first song I ever wrote.” Watch the video below for more details about Keith’s career, cancer battle and the news of his recent death.