After Toby Keith was first diagnosed with stomach cancer, he’s been focused on fighting the illness.

“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” the “Red Solo Cup” crooner wrote via Instagram in June 2022, noting his intentions to take a performance hiatus as he recuperates. “I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.”

As Keith — who married Tricia Lucus in 1984, with whom he shares three children — recovered from his medical procedures, he remained open about his difficult battle.

“I’m thinking about getting back in fighting shape,” the Oklahoma native said during an interview on CMT Hot 20 Countdown the following December. “I need a little time to just rest up and heal up.”

He added: “It’s pretty debilitating to have to go through all that, but as long as everything stays hunky-dory, then we’ll look at something good in the future.”

The Broken Bridges actor has continued to make music through the years, releasing 19 albums and two holiday LPs. Keith’s lasting career has gone on to inspire countless other recording artists, who have offered their support amid his health scare.

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“I’ve talked to some people in his circle,” Trace Adkins told Extra in August 2022. “His spirits are high, he’s doing as well as can be expected from what I hear.”

Scroll below for more of Keith’s quotes about her cancer battle:

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