Toby Keith admits his battle with stomach cancer is “very debilitating” in his first interview since revealing his diagnosis earlier this year.
“I’m thinking about getting back into combat mode,” the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer, 61, says in a preview. This weekend the remaining days of the CMT Hot 20. “I need some time to rest and recover.”
Keith adds, “It’s very debilitating to have to go through all that, but as long as everything continues to be bad, then we’ll be looking at something good in the future.”
In June, the “Less Talk and More Action” singer announced she was taking a break from music while being treated for cancer.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” Keith shared at the time. “I have spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, heal and rest.”
In recent months, the superstar has been hinting at his return by venturing more publicly.
In November, Keith surprised fans at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in Lexington, Ky., with performances of songs like “I Love This Bar” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.”
That same month, she was honored with the BMI Icon Award at the 2022 BMI Awards, where artists such as Carrie Underwood and Eric Church sang her praises.
Earlier this week, Keith posted a sweet photo of himself on Instagram with a young cancer patient, writing alongside it, “Thumbs up if you’re celebrating #GivingTuesday by donating to the @tkfoundation1!
“Your donations make OK Kids Korral possible, a home away from home for children with cancer and their families.”
In 2006, Keith founded the Toby Keith Foundation, which provides support to children with cancer.
