Toby Keith Opens Up About His Battle With Cancer And Decades Long Career

Summary

Country music legend Toby Keith opens up about his battle with stomach cancer in an exclusive interview. Diagnosed in 2021, Keith says it's been a rollercoaster but maintains a positive spirit rooted in his faith. Still undergoing treatment, Keith refuses to let cancer define him, finding blessings like more family time. The song 'Don't Let the Old Man In' has taken on new meaning since his diagnosis. Keith wows crowds at three recent sold-out Vegas shows, proving his enduring stamina. He credits his wife Tricia's support and looks to honor her. Keith emerges as an inspiration, focusing on who he is beyond cancer.

Takeaways

• 😀 Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October 2021 but says he won't let it define him
• 😞 He describes the cancer journey as a rollercoaster, with highs and lows
• 💪 His faith has given him strength to deal with the difficult periods
• 👪 His wife has been a huge support, serving as his nurse and motivator
• 🎤 Despite the cancer, he performed 3 sold-out shows in Las Vegas in December 2022
• 🎶 He wrote a meaningful song 'Don't Let the Old Man In' years ago that Clint Eastwood used in a film
• 🙏 The song has taken on new meaning for him since his diagnosis
• 🤝 He has quietly helped many people over the years like signing autographs and supporting cancer patients
• 🎁 Robin Marsh gave him a special gift related to his early singing career that moved him
• 📺 Viewers can see Toby perform live and get the full story on tomorrow night's newscast

Q & A

When was Toby Keith diagnosed with cancer?

Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October 2021.

What cancer treatments has Toby Keith undergone?

Toby has undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation to treat his stomach cancer.

How does Toby say his faith has helped him deal with cancer?

Toby says that his faith has been key in dealing with cancer. He says it has taught him to lean on his faith more every day, especially on the bad days.

What does Toby's wife Trisha mean to him during his cancer battle?

Toby says his wife Trisha has been the best nurse and support during his cancer treatments. He credits her for helping him get through this.

How did Toby's song 'Don't Let the Old Man In' come about?

Toby wrote the song after a golf trip with Clint Eastwood. Clint inspired the song with his quote about not letting the old man in and staying active.

How did Toby's song 'Don't Let the Old Man In' recently gain popularity?

Toby performed the song at the 2022 People's Choice Awards where he was honored. After his performance, the song trended at number one.

How many shows did Toby Keith perform in Las Vegas in December 2022?

Despite undergoing cancer treatment, Toby Keith performed 3 sold out shows in Las Vegas in December 2022.

How does Toby say cancer has impacted his outlook?

Toby says he refuses to let cancer define him or his future. He aims to keep pushing forward positively.

What does Toby credit as the source of his strength?

Toby credits his faith, his family, his fans, and his positive spirit for giving him strength.

What gift did the reporter Robin give to Toby?

The gift is revealed in part 2 of the story airing the next day. Details are not provided in this script.

Outlines

00:00

😃 Toby Keith discusses his cancer diagnosis and treatment journey

In an exclusive interview, country music star Toby Keith opens up about his recent stomach cancer diagnosis. He shares details on his treatment, including surgery, chemo, and radiation. Though it's been a rollercoaster, his spirits are still good and his faith keeps him going. He feels blessed by the experience and has found more appreciation for his wife, family, and an old song that has new meaning.

05:02

😊 Toby's song 'Don't Let the Old Man In' was inspired by Clint Eastwood

A few years ago while golfing, Toby asked Clint Eastwood what keeps him going at 88 years old. Clint said he doesn't lay around, gets outside, and doesn't let the old man in. This inspired Toby to write a song called "Don't Let the Old Man In" and send it to Clint. Clint loved it so much he used it in his movie. Now the song has taken on new meaning for Toby as he battles cancer.

10:03

🤠 Toby performs 3 sold out shows in Las Vegas after cancer diagnosis

Despite his cancer diagnosis and treatment, Toby Keith performed 3 sold out concerts in Las Vegas in December 2022. Robin attended and shares how Toby didn't miss a beat during the nearly 3 hour shows. His fans are extremely loyal and Robin can't wait to share more from her time with Toby, including a special gift she gave him tied to his history with the TV station.

Keywords

💡cancer

The video focuses heavily on country singer Toby Keith's cancer diagnosis and his journey dealing with the disease. Cancer is mentioned many times throughout as the health issue Keith is battling. The interviewer asks how he is handling the cancer and Keith talks about going through surgery, chemo, and radiation to treat his stomach cancer. He describes cancer as a 'rollercoaster' and how his faith has helped him through the difficult times.

💡faith

Faith is a major theme in the video and source of strength for Toby Keith as he battles cancer. Keith emphasizes several times how important his Christian faith has been in getting through the cancer diagnosis and treatment. He says without his faith he would not have made it and that it has taught him to lean on God more. His faith gives him peace of mind regardless of the outcome.

💡career

The video traces Toby Keith's long, successful career in country music, highlighting his many hit songs, albums sold, and accolades. It notes he is among the top 5 richest country singers and shows old footage from the beginning of his career 30 years ago. Even while going through cancer treatment, Keith continues to perform sold-out concerts, showing his enduring passion for music.

💡family

Keith credits his family, especially his wife of almost 40 years, as being a huge source of support during his cancer journey. He calls his wife his 'best nurse' and talks about how she has helped him through every step of the process. The video emphasizes how cancer has given Keith more appreciation for his family.

💡song

The video focuses particularly on one of Keith's songs 'Don't Let the Old Man In' which was inspired by his friend Clint Eastwood. It has taken on new meaning for Keith as he battles cancer. He says the song reminds him not to let his circumstance define him and to love his wife and friends. The song went to #1 after he performed it at an awards show while undergoing cancer treatment.

💡diagnosis

The video provides details around Toby Keith's stomach cancer diagnosis in October 2021. It notes he has been battling the disease for over 2 years now. Keith talks about the difficult times right after the diagnosis going through various treatments like surgery, chemo, and radiation. The diagnosis started his cancer 'rollercoaster' journey.

💡treatment

The video discusses the different cancer treatments Toby Keith has undergone, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Keith notes he is still going through treatment presently. He describes the treatments as very difficult but says his faith has helped him get through.

💡interview

The video shows portions of an exclusive interview the reporter conducted with Toby Keith at his home. In the interview, Keith is very open and vulnerable in discussing his cancer diagnosis and treatment journey. The interviewer highlights how real and personal Keith was during their long conversation.

💡concert

Despite going through cancer treatment, Toby Keith continues to perform concert tours, like his 3 sold-out shows in Las Vegas in December 2022 highlighted in the video. His ability to still put on long, lively concerts shows his perseverance and dedication to his music career.

💡inspiration

The video shows how Toby Keith and his journey with cancer has been inspirational for many others. His faith, music and perseverance through cancer treatment have motivated and uplifted his fans and others battling cancer or hardship. The video notes the many stories of Keith inspiring people.

Highlights

Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October 2021 and says he has been on a roller coaster ride but his spirits are still good.

Toby has undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiation but says he is not going to let cancer define his future.

Toby says his faith has helped him through the difficult times and given him peace.

Toby's wife Trisha has been his best nurse and source of support through his cancer journey.

The song "Don't Let the Old Man In" that Toby performed at the People's Choice Awards has taken on more personal meaning for him after his cancer diagnosis.

Clint Eastwood loved Toby's song "Don't Let the Old Man In" so much that he used it over the end credits in his movie The Mule.

After Toby performed "Don't Let the Old Man In" at the People's Choice Awards, the song went to number one the next day.

Toby finds strength from his family, his fans, and his faith to keep fighting his cancer.

In December 2022, despite undergoing cancer treatment, Toby was able to successfully perform three sold out concerts in Las Vegas.

Toby has used his cancer journey as an opportunity to be a messenger for what God can do in someone's life.

Toby was diagnosed with cancer over 2 years ago but said it took him awhile to get to a place of acceptance.

Toby's quiet generosity includes helping a friend's husband by calling and praying with him.

Examples of Toby's kindness include helping an elderly fan up stairs and financially helping others with medical treatments.

Toby proudly shares his faith as a public example of what God can do even during life's difficult moments.

Transcripts

a country music Superstar Toby Keith

says he will not let his recent cancer

diagnosis Define him news nights Robin

Marsh spoke exclusively with Toby and

she joins us now in studio here tonight

Robin you talked about how he is

handling stomach cancer how is he doing

well I tell you that is the one thing

everyone wants to know how is Toby Keith

doing tonight he says he's been on a

roller coaster ride but his spirits are

still good I actually sat down with the

singer at is Norman Hol recently tonight

one-on-one with Toby

Keith this the big one come on out we're

going to

[Music]

jam you shouldn't kiss me like this

unless you mean it like that so many

shades of

Toby forting

those for the alumni there goes the show

and to

Oklahoma we've seen them all how do you

like me now 32 top 10

[Music]

hits 32 number one songs I want thank my

family and everybody back in Oklahoma

tonight God bless yall thank you so

much 40 million albums sold and more

than 10 billion

streams Toby Keith is among the top five

richest country singers in the world

this is my 12th time seeing him me up

the

party worth hundreds of millions of

dollars right stand by speed and to

think just 30 years

ago it's a brand new

day this was all part of the beginning

it's the spirit of

Oklahoma and The Best Is Yet To Come

TV TV

[Music]

want to thank the almighty for uh

allowing me to be here tonight now it's

Toby Keith's Health making the headlines

I bet y'all never thought you'd see me

in skinny

[Music]

jeans don't let

[Music]

the noticeably thinner the 62-year-old

Oklahoma native has been in a battle

with stomach cancer since his diagnosis

in October of

2021 he's knocking on my

door I knew all of my life it's a lot of

dark hallways yeah are you doing okay I

am everybody's wanting everybody to do

good in that world you know song riters

are a little different than artists

their egos aren't as goofy that's a

famous pain from Mil

singles of the Year album of the Year

play defensive end for the Oklahoma City

Drillers there's the old Jersey that was

I was really

stupid we sat down with Toby at his home

recently in Norman I'm not going to let

this Define what my future is where the

singer was very open about his journey

he's been on with cancer it ain't up to

us surgery chemo radiation Toby is still

in treatment cancer is a roller coaster

so you're it's like you just sit here

and wait on it to go away it may not

ever go away uh and if it goes in

remission it still be in the back of

your mind you're still going to have to

do scans and stuff how do you maneuver

through those dark hallways Faith yeah

you have to have your faith it's um

thank God that I got it too you take it

for granted on days that things are good

and you lean on it when days are bad and

it's taught me to lean on a little more

every day have you experienced a piece

that passes all understanding oh yeah

yeah I finally got to a point in the

spring I was diagnosed in October of

21 and I was going through all the chemo

and the first time I've been through

chemo and radiation surgery and I just

got to a point where I was comfortable

with whatever happened I had my brain

wrapped around it and I was in a good

spot either way

so uh people without faith don't have

that it's the oldfashioned people's

choices on TV these were the ones that

uh Dick Clark hosted that was all genre

it's heavy Toby says there are

unexpected blessings in the middle of

the storm more appreciation for his wife

Trisha of almost 40 years their children

and

grandchildren and Another Blessing

coming from a song he performed last

fall when he was honored as an icon at

the People's Choice

Awards

Toby actually wrote this song several

years ago it was inspired when he was on

a golf trip with his friend Clint

Eastwood who was about to make a movie

at the age of 88 and I go what keeps you

going he goes I get up every

day uh don't lay around I get outside I

go outside I don't let that old man in I

was

like wow okay so I thought you know what

I love that old man man I'm going to go

home write him a song send it to him

look out your window and

[Music]

smile let

old Eastwood loved Toby's song so much

he used it at the end of his movie The

Mule don't let the old

man Toby says the song has a more

personal meaning now what's your

favorite line from that song

um uh my body's weathered and worn ask

yourself

would if you didn't know the day you

were

born try to love on your

wife and stay close to your friend I

think that moment though of your wife

she was she was wiping tear away yeah um

what does she mean to you Toby oh she's

been she's been a TR she's the best

nurse she absolutely the first time we

went to Houston the hospital she she

stepped right in and she just took

control and said we got this let's go so

she's she's like we we're going to get

this and uh don't worry about

[Music]

it every person in the room was just

zoomed in

and and then you just deliver that

message and it got its due and then it

went number one the next day it was like

trending like Al the so now they've

released it to radio I was like Toby's

got a new song I know he Ain it's four

years old you just didn't hear it the

first time cuz they didn't play it and

your life was in a different time then

and so the moment was perfect yeah but

it found its home but don't let the old

[Music]

man

and Toby Keith finds his way back home

on the stage tomorrow night I'll take

you to his shows in Las Vegas they sold

out so quickly you'll see the concert

that's really nice of you Robinette tell

everybody thank you and the gift I gave

Toby that got this reaction this is

great this ought to be framed and I'm

going to frame this up don't miss it

tomorrow night at 10:00 Robin Marsh

Oklahoma Zone

news9 oh Robin great story great story

is I mean if you didn't so good if you

didn't know anything about Toby you're G

to love him after just watching just

that wow you know you feel like you're

the messenger for him and I just wanted

to do such a good job that it would

honor him and his wife and uh you know I

just felt like he was so real and

vulnerable about it all and you know he

just was leaned in the whole time that

we were talking and it meant so much

much you were saying that you were

really only think it was going to be a

20-minute interview and then he just sat

there and he kept talking yeah we were

there for a couple of hours with him and

you know I think some of the takeaways

are that you know you're not defined by

your circumstance and that's what he

said he wasn't going to let cancer

define him and even actually had three

concerts in Las Vegas in December and I

think that's really a takeaway for all

of us you know in good times and bad

times those circumstances don't have to

Define us where does where does he find

his strength he he seems very

upbeat his family his fans what is it

that that gives him the strength to

fight cancer you know the very first

question that I asked him he said if he

didn't have his faith that he would not

make it and so I mean uh he's a man of

faith and uh even a friend of mine uh

had texted me tonight and said that when

her husband was uh involved in something

that Toby called him and prayed with him

about that situation it's amazing

because through social media all the

people that have had encounters with

Toby Keith I mean one lady said he

helped her grandmother up at the Women's

College World Series help her up the

stairs and uh that he's done so many

things that are uh not out in public uh

generosity of helping uh through

treatments and things like that so I

think that um you know his body has been

through a lot he said it was a roller

coaster but his soul and his Spirit are

still very strong and that's what I I

loved about meeting him and really

getting a chance to sit down and visit

with with him you can just tell that he

has such Faith do you talk about how

long it took him though to get to that

point where he's like okay I'm I'm good

with this well he was diagnosed you know

two and a half years ago uh in

2021 and um I think he's had his faith

uh he said to me that he's had his faith

since he was a young boy and that it's

meant so much to him and his family and

I think when you meet someone of Faith

you can just tell by looking into their

eyes the words that they're saying of

what that means to them and it is um

sometimes it's a quiet thing and it's

personal but sometimes it is a public

thing and I think for Toby to share that

um is such a great message and he said

if that is his role to be a messenger

for what God can do in someone's life

then he proudly takes that on and you

were in Vegas and you got to see him how

many shows did he do in Vegas he did

three shows in Las Vegas recently yes in

December yes oh wow so we went wow what

was that like for you to see that I know

that we we might not get a chance to

talk to you tomorrow and you're going to

get into that tomorrow but just to see

him on stage doing three shows I mean it

was amazing because you know I just

thought after meeting him and uh you

know he he is still so strong in his

Spirit but I thought my gosh to do a

concert almost three hours long he

didn't miss a beat and tomorrow night

you're going to see it we take you to

the show and uh you know everyone sings

along his Warrior fans are like the best

fans ever and I can't wait for you to

see part two and then we do give him a

special gift tomorrow

it's kind of 30 years all come together

because he sang the tv9 jingle after

Reba did it remember it and he said he

knew he said I said did you have to

think about it he said no I was just

going to be on TV I knew I need to do it

so I can't wait for you to see it yes or

no I'll be there it was one of his first

contracts really I mean come on you'll

see how much he got paid I find the

original contract you'll see it all

tomorrow night I can't wait for you to

see part two she told me and I went how

much it's Doby Keith anyway it's great

thank you and great great job thank you

for being here tonight with us too and

make sure you catch that story tomorrow

on news9 at 10 o'clock as well thanks MH