Toby Keith Continues to Help Sick Children and Their Families despite Battling Stomach Cancer

Toby Keith is popularly known for the work he and his foundation have been doing for kids with cancer in the past couple of years; however, last year, he came down with stomach cancer and has had to undergo chemotherapy to keep it under control. His foundation has been recognized for its excellent work, and Keith recently appeared in public after nearly a year of being away.

Toby Keith is a famous country musician, perhaps best known for his inspiring anthems dedicated to the U.S. soldiers posted to the Middle East. He secured real fame in 1993 after his debut album, "Toby Keith," went platinum.

He became even more famous when he wrote a track motivated by the tragic events of 9/11 and titled it "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American).” The song resonated deep within the hearts of the military personnel but also caused Toby to feud with another country singer named Natalie Maines.

Toby is known to have worked with great artists like Willie Nelson, and he has released multiple albums that have been received positively by his large fanbase. He also attempted acting in 2008.

Toby is a family man. He got married to his wife, Tricia Lucus, in 1984. At the time of their meeting, she was already a mother of a daughter named Shelley. After their marriage, the singer adopted her child and treated her like his own child.

Shelley lives a very private life and has made Toby a grandfather by welcoming two kids of her own. Aside from Shelley, Toby is also the father of another daughter named Krystal Keith. She was born in 1985 and, like her dad, has a passion for country music.

Krystal performs as "Keith," just like her father, and first got the world's attention thanks to her rendition of "Mockingbird" on Toby's album in 2004. Later that year, at the CMAs, she paired up with him to perform the anthem.

Krystal attended the University of Oklahoma. After graduating, she was signed to Show Dog-Universal Music, where she released EPs and an album titled "Whiskey & Lace." One of the tracks, "Daddy Dance with Me," became one of her best releases because Toby inspired the song.

Krystal also performed it at her wedding ceremony. She tied the knot with Andrew Robert Sandubrae in 2010 and has welcomed two daughters, Hensley and Kirby, with him. Her relationship with Toby remains as close as ever.

The third child Toby fathered is a boy named Stelen Keith Covel. He was born in 1997, and his Instagram bio describes him as an investor who works in Venture management. He married his longtime lover, Haley, and documented the joyful day on his Instagram. Like Krystal, he also has a great relationship with Toby, whom he is fond of hanging out with and supporting.

Those lucky to be present said that the talented singer performed for over an hour, and footage captured him singing one of his old hits, "I Love This Bar."

Toby Now Battles against Cancer

In June, Toby revealed on social media that he received treatment for stomach cancer for about six months. According to him, he received the diagnosis in the fall period and promptly started going in for chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Toby wrote a statement he shared via multiple social media pages. It read:

"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."

After his announcement, the tour dates that were listed on his website were all removed. Stomach cancer, like other forms of cancer, is no joke. It causes the death of over 11,000 people yearly and has taken stars like Fred Rogers, Liz Claiborne, and John Wayne.

Toby seems to be doing better now, considering what he shared on social media, but he plans to take things easy while spending as much time with his family.

He Helps Kids Battling Cancer

Even before his cancer diagnosis, Toby was already helping kids and families affected by the disease. His foundation, The Toby Keith Foundation, has a mission to "encourage the health and happiness of pediatric cancer patients" and has been doing so since 2006.

The foundation has focused on providing free housing for kids with cancer. In 2014, it opened OK Kids Korral, a free home for kids receiving cancer treatment at The Children's Hospital at several medical facilities.

The Toby Keith Foundation believes that the best gift it can give is to keep families united as they endure harsh times. The foundation's work has not gone unnoticed.

Very recently, Toby was awarded the SabesWings Second Annual Lifetime Achievement Award; however, he was unable to be there in person to receive his award because he had a tough week in his cancer recovery.

All he could do was make footage of himself to accept the award, which was a nod towards his chivalric work with his foundation and the OK Kids Korral. The video saw Toby thank the organization for the honor, after which he spoke at length about the foundation's mission.

He also revealed how proud he is that Ok Kids Korral is working hand in hand with SabesWing, then ended his speech by telling the audience the best way to make a difference is to choose a charity with defined goals to ensure the less fortunate are being helped.

His Surprise Stage Appearance

Thanks to his battle with cancer, Toby has been away from the stage; however, not long ago, he traveled to Lexington to watch the 2022 Breeder's Cup race and stopped at the steakhouse, where he got on the stage alongside Ruby Friday.

The performance is the first one Toby has done in public since he was diagnosed in 2021. Those lucky to be present said that the talented singer performed for over an hour, and footage captured him singing one of his old hits, "I Love This Bar."

It has reminded his fans of how much they are missing him, and many hope he makes a full recovery so he can return to the stage to deliver even more noteworthy performances.