Country music singer and songwriter Toby Keith Sunday announced he has been battling stomach cancer after his diagnosis six months ago.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” Keith said in a Twitter post. “I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax,” he added. “I am looking forward to spending this time with my family.”
“But I will see the fans sooner than later,” concluded Keith, “I can’t wait.”
“I’m going [to] cry,” declared one saddened follower.
Almost 500 people added their condolences or prayers as they retweeted his remarks.
“Sending love and support,” the Academy of Country Music remarked.
“Wishing you much strength and healing my friend!” said ESPN anchor Hannah Storm.
Soon after he tweeted about his cancer diagnosis, another Twitter post announced his July 28 show at the Ohio State Fair was canceled.
“Our hearts go out to Toby Keith as he courageously battles cancer,” commented a spokesperson for the Ohio State Fair on its Twitter account. Fair organizers added that any tickets already purchased through Ticketmaster for the canceled July 28 show would be automatically refunded.
The country music star had recently performed at Florida’s Heroes Honor Festival, which was conducted Memorial Day weekend at the Daytona International Speedway according to the Daily Wire.
A Billboard report said a representative for the 60-year-old music star informed them some of Keith’s other scheduled performances this summer may be canceled.
Keith’s foundation has supported cancer victims long before his own diagnosis, according to the Wire report.
“The Toby Keith Foundation has been helping children with cancer since 2006 and has streamlined its efforts around no-cost housing for children with cancer,” according to a foundation statement on its website. “In 2014, the foundation opened OK Kids Korral, a cost-free, convenient and comfortable home for pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, Stephenson Cancer Center and other nearby facilities.”
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