His most recent tour was set to begin on Friday.
Country musician Toby Keith announced that he has been battling cancer since last year and has been receiving treatment for the last six months, providing fans an update on his health.
On Sunday, Keith disclosed on his social media accounts that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, which is an abnormal development of cells that occurs in the stomach and is also known as gastric cancer, according to Mayo Clinic.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” his statement posted on Instagram and Twitter reads. “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,” he concluded his post.
Keith is most likely referring to his upcoming shows in Illinois and Michigan on June 17 and 18, that are part of his new album tour. However, his publicist, Elaine Schock, said in a statement to Deadline that he will not be performing at scheduled shows for the time being.
After hearing the news, fans and fellow musicians expressed prayers for his recovery, starting with John Rich of country duo Big & Rich who tweeted, “Hang in there, @tobykeith.”
Another tweet came from musician Sammy Hagar, who shared a photo of the two of them and wrote, “Wishing my big buddy a speedy recovery and a whole lotta love from most redheads around the world.”
Reactions to Country Star Toby Keith Gets Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer
Say a prayer for Toby Keith tonight y'all. We need people like you Toby.
@vileTexan
Say a prayer for Toby Keith tonight y'all.
— ✪ Evil Texan ✪ (@vileTexan) June 13, 2022
We need people like you Toby. https://t.co/EKxxBOKgj1
Toby has that Sooner Magic and the OUDNA. Prayers for complete healing.
@Martymus1
Toby has that Sooner Magic and the OUDNA. Prayers for complete healing. https://t.co/e4c3x8EexT
— Martymus (@Martymus1) June 13, 2022
Prayers & love for this special guy & his family. May God wrap him in his arms & heal him. Amen🙏
@BarbraLovesBG
Prayers & love for this special guy & his family. May God wrap him in his arms & heal him. Amen🙏 https://t.co/W0EPgFqyo4
— BlakeGwenShelton (@BarbraLovesBG) June 13, 2022
☹️ prayers to this man!❤️
@Missykaupa
☹️ prayers to this man!❤️ https://t.co/nwdQZyv18D
— Mᵢ𝘴𝘴y Kₐᵤ𝐩ₐ (@Missykaupa) June 13, 2022
Very sad news keep fighting Toby! #CancerSucks
@KarenKalifornia
Very sad news keep fighting Toby! #CancerSucks https://t.co/bv54BhjYVZ
— Karen (@KarenKalifornia) June 13, 2022
#cancersucks Feel better soon, but take care of yourself first.
@centipede_lady
#cancersucks Feel better soon, but take care of yourself first. https://t.co/QeHxU1yLTN
— LadyCentipede (@centipede_lady) June 13, 2022
Prayers! I saw him in Oklahoma when my son was stationed there. His dedication to troops is everything! 🙏❤️
@southern_sass__
Prayers! I saw him in Oklahoma when my son was stationed there. His dedication to troops is everything! 🙏❤️ https://t.co/ERA3A1su9y
— Angela (@southern_sass__) June 13, 2022
Bro not Toby Keith 😔
@TheDTSB
Bro not Toby Keith 😔 https://t.co/itqRRoQj2s
— Daniel (@TheDTSB) June 13, 2022
Prayers for you @tobykeith 🤍🤍 Cheers to you and relaxing!
@scariel27
Prayers for you @tobykeith 🤍🤍 Cheers to you and relaxing! https://t.co/TdRVBwCkNJ
— Ariel Sue 🤍 🎄 (@scariel27) June 13, 2022
Genuinely sorry to hear this & wishing all the best for Toby & his family. I remain open to & hopeful for a good heart to heart one of these days.
@AdeemTheArtist
Genuinely sorry to hear this & wishing all the best for Toby & his family. I remain open to & hopeful for a good heart to heart one of these days. https://t.co/KxmqQGiczi
— Adeem Maria🤙🏼🏳️⚧️ (@AdeemTheArtist) June 12, 2022