How Bad is Toby Keith’s Health?

The Oklahoma Country singer who warmed his way into the music industry has achieved by far more than a limelight, but is that exactly all there is to it? Well, dig in.

The larger-than-life country icon, known for his hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “Red Solo Cup,” continues to capture millions of hearts with his deep voice and bold stage presence. In recent times, the health of Toby Keith has caused an alarm amongst his fans.

But for a decade plus, he was unstoppable, touring and performing nonstop. More recently, though, there were whispers and rumors about his health. Questions swirled—was he taking time off? Was there something going on backstage?

That mystery has left his fans very anxious, waiting for further information, so they can see their favorite star back in full force. What’s really going on with Toby Keith’s health? The suspense is killing everyone at this point, leaving many to wonder how their favorite country star is truly holding up.

Who is Toby?

An American country singer, songwriter, and actor. who was born on July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma. Keith grew up with a love for music and playing the guitar.

Before being in the music world, Toby was an employee in oil and playing football, but then his passion for music did eventually sideline him to pursue a career as a country singer.

He widely popularized the 1990s with his self-named first album, which included chartbusters such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” The song became one of the most played country songs of the decade. Toby is adored due to his catchy tunes and strong, relatable lyrics that very often represent patriotism, life, and love.

Other major hits from his collection include “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” and “Beer for My Horses.”

Outside of his music, the most famous thing about Toby Keith is his support of American soldiers and veterans. He has performed for U.S. troops overseas and donated to many causes, especially military families.

The star is actually larger than life in country music, and his deep voice with his storytelling ability has placed him as one of the favorites over the past couple of decades. His music and presence continue to leave lasting impressions on the world of country music.

How did Mr. Keith Team with Music?

Toby had dipped himself into the world of music since he was a young lad. Born in Oklahoma, he grew up with country music and how to play a mean guitar. However, despite his love for the trade, it wasn’t Toby who made the first steps towards pursuing a career in the profession.

Instead, he chose to work in the oil industry and as a football player—semi-pro at least—yet never abandon his aspirations of being a musician.

The other occupation he did during that time was performing with his band Easy Money in local bars and honky-tonks. Years later, Toby’s big break came early in the 1990s when a flight attendant happened to pass his demo tape on to a record executive. He impressed talent scouts enough to sign him on immediately.

In 1993, Toby’s first single entitled “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” was released, and it became a big hit, which started his music career. In this case, Toby Keith was one of the biggest stars in country music with a row of catchy songs filled with powerful lyrics.

The Singer’s Nupital Angle

Is Toby Keith married? Yes, Toby Keith is married to his wife Tricia Lucus, whom he married several years ago, and is still married. 

Long before Toby became one of the star country music singers, the couple had met in 1981. The two had dated for some time before they got hitched in 1984 and now have two children: Krystal, born in 1985, and Stelen, born in 1997. 

He also adopted Lucus’ daughter Shelley after their marriage. Lucus and Keith met at a bar not long after he graduated high school in 1979. The singer had taken a job as an oil field worker while playing at local bars with his band called the Easy Money Band. “I was 19, and he The couple dated for three years before tying the knot. 

In 2006, Lucus helped Keith start the Toby Keith Foundation to help children and their families battling cancer. Like her father, Krystal became a musician, too, but has since taken a backseat in recent years to raise her two daughters. Stelen is a real estate investor.

How is Keith’s Health Today?

In June 2022, Keith revealed that he had been undergoing treatment for stomach cancer since fall 2021. He underwent surgery and six months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. 

But he was itching to get back on stage. “I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait,” he said.  In an interview with CMT Hot 20 last December, the singer said he was optimistic about his prognosis. 

By June 2023, Keith gave word that treatments were working—a third of his tumor was gone, he told The Oklahoman, and his health was on the mend. Keith was on hand to accept the Country Music Icon Award at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards in September. 

He took to the stage to deliver his first live performance since his diagnosis, singing “Don’t Let the Old Man In” after his acceptance speech. In December, he performed dates for three nights at Park MGM in Las Vegas. His better health was short-lived.

Peacefully” on February 5, 2024, Keith died, an announcement on his website described. He was 62 and surrounded by his family upon his death. Weeks later, the Country Music Association announced on March 18 that Keith had been voted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and would be posthumously inducted as part of the 2024 class during an October ceremony.

Bottom Line

His most rewarding experiences, had come from giving back locally, nationally, and abroad. This was alongside his annual golf classics fund from ‘The Toby Keith Foundation’ and ‘OK Kids Korral,’ a cost-free home for families of children dealing with critical illnesses. 

The 19th installment of the charity event raised a record $1.8 million, bringing its all-in total to nearly $18 million. Those 11 USO Tours have boosted the morale of nearly 256,000 troops and military families in 18 countries with more than 285 events, and garnered him the Spirit of the USO Award (2014). 

And when a tornado ravaged his hometown, Toby Keith was the face of the community and helped shoulder the cleanup with the 2013 OK Twister Relief Concert. Triple threat? How about singer, songwriter, musician, producer, entertainer, entrepreneur, humanitarian, Oklahoman, and patriot.