Toby Keith has been a staple on country music radio for three decades. He is one of the rare artists who has managed to stay relevant in an industry that churns through talent at an alarming rate. Keith has survived the so-called “bro” country, the rising popularity of the Americana movement popularized by artists like Zach Bryan, and the trend away from the patriotic, chest-thumping pro-American music he made his living on post 911.
However, the most impressive accomplishment for the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer has come in the last couple of years. In June of 2022, Keith announced that he was waging an ongoing battle with stomach cancer and would be taking some time off from the industry to spend time with his family while he battles the disease. He said then: “I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”
Recently, the 62-year-old country superstar gave a very positive update about his health and his future that should have fans overjoyed. During a recent podcast appearance, Keith talked about his treatments, his prognosis, and his plans for more music. He said: “I’m doing really good. It’s been a tough two years, but I think I’m turning a corner. I don’t know if you’re ever done with it [cancer], but I’m trying to be.”
Keith returned to the stage in December, doing three sold-out shows at Park MGM’s Dolby Live venue in Las Vegas. After a full year out of the business, the “Brought to You Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” singer said it was “weird in 2023,” as he took the year off. He continued: “And this is my 30th year in the [country music] business, so it was really weird just sitting here with your handcuffs on.” In September, Keith shocked the country music world when he blew the crowd away at the People’s Choice Country Awards.
The superstar performed his new song, “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” and shared his inspiration for the song. He explained: “I’m Clint Eastwood’s partner at his gold tournament — he’s 93 this year, by the way.Several years ago the first event I played with him… I [asked], ‘What keeps you going at your age?’ He said, ‘I try to get up every day and be productive — not let that old man in.So I came home and said, ‘I’m going to write him a song. I didn’t know I was going to have to live those words in a few years.”
They say art imitates life, but for Toby Keith, art has taken it to the next level. Keith put his life on hold to battle stomach cancer, and for now, he is winning. He likely will always have to have treatment and deal with the disease, but a healthy Keith is good for America and good for country music. Keith also said: “I feel pretty good. It’s a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and down. It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero, but I feel good today.” Hopefully, the country legend will see more good days than bad for the rest of his life and career.
