We have lost a lot of people who were dear to us in the past year. Along with any that we may have lost in our private lives, we lost many singers, actors, and others.
One individual who will be sorely missed is Toby Keith. He was struggling with stomach cancer and eventually, he lost his life in 2024. This comes after him being diagnosed in 2021 and going through months of treatment.
Unfortunately, Keith would lose his life but he showed a degree of bravery that really is inspiring to all of us. He stayed strong until the end but passed away on February 5, 2024.
As the shockwaves of his death spread through the music industry, it reminded many of the importance of enjoying every day of life we have.
In June 2022, an Instagram post shared the fact that Toby Keith had stomach cancer. He was going through chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation at the time and would be taking the time with his family and away from his career.
He said: “I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. 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.”
Despite what he was going through with his health, he continued to have a passion for his music. His final performance would come in September 2023 when he was at the grand old Opry for the People’s Choice Country Awards. He sang, Don’t Let the Old Man in.
It took a lot of effort for him to get up on stage and put on the performance and his fans truly appreciated it. They saw him shaking, likely from the medication side effects but also because of the deterioration of his health.
His wife, Tricia, was sitting in the audience and as the video pointed in her direction, you could see that she was visually shaken. He then received the Country Icon Award and gave a lighthearted acceptance speech.
He said: “I bet you never thought y’all’d see me in skinny jeans.”
At one point, Keith was optimistic that his fight with cancer would be successful. He said that his tumor had shrunk since he was diagnosed but eventually, the cancer took its toll.
Thank you for all that you have given to us. May you rest in peace.
