Toby Keith Was Candid About 'Roller Coaster' of Living with Cancer Before Death
Keith's family revealed in a statement Tuesday that the singer died on Monday at the age of 62
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Toby Keith performs onstage during the 2022 BMI Country AwardsToby Keith faced his stomach cancer with honesty before his death at 62.
The country singer, who died Monday following his stomach cancer diagnosis in 2022, said in September that his cancer journey had been "a little bit of a roller coaster.”
“You get good days and, you know, you're up and down, up and down,” he told E! News at the People’s Choice Country Awards red carpet, which saw him accept the Country Icon Award.
“It's always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today.”
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Toby Keith performs on stage during the 2023 People's Choice Country AwardsKeith's family revealed in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday that the musician had died the previous day.
"Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family, the statement read. “He fought his fight with grace and courage,” adding, “Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Related: Toby Keith Says Stomach Cancer Struggle Is a 'Little Bit of a Roller Coaster': 'You're Up and Down'
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Toby Keith and Tricia LucusKeith, who had been married to his wife Tricia Lucus for nearly 40 years, first announced his stomach cancer diagnosis in June 2022.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” he explained in a statement on his Instagram account. “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 this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait. -T”
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Despite this, Keith continued to play live, with his last shows taking place in December 2023 at Park MGM in Las Vegas
"3 sold out shows in Vegas was a damn good way to end the year," he posted on Instagram on Dec.28.
On Jan.22 he also posted a video of himself talking about appearing onstage in disguise with a band called the 'Incognito Bandito' for a show in New York City.
"Went unannounced to the Fillmore," revealed Keith. "We just did cover songs. We did some really wacky s---."
His final Instagram post on Sunday said simply "And that’s a wrap on the weekend, y’all. Back to it."
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