Country music artist Toby Keith, a devout Christian, is set to make a return to the stage this autumn after clinching the inaugural People’s Choice Country Icon Award. The 62-year-old singer, known for his strict religious beliefs, credited his faith in helping him overcome challenges, including the revelation of his stomach cancer diagnosis in June 2022.
In an interview with Fox News Digital before receiving the award, Keith expressed his reliance on his religion, emphasizing the importance of prayer in navigating tough times. He stated that faith is his anchor, enabling him to take action, and questioned how individuals without faith manage in such situations.
Looking ahead to September, Keith expressed plans to resume his singing career, provided everything goes well. Reflecting on the significance of the Icon Award, he described the recognition as “pretty crazy” after three decades of creating music. At the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, Blake Shelton, an old friend of Keith, presented him with the accolade.
Acknowledging Shelton as a deserving recipient, Keith highlighted their enduring friendship, rooted in shared interests. A movie paying tribute to Keith was screened before Shelton accepted the award, with Shelton affectionately referring to Keith as his “Oklahoma brother.”
Expressing gratitude to God, family, and fans, Keith took the opportunity to perform his rendition of “Don’t Let the Old Man In” after receiving the award. Fellow artists, including Dustin Lynch and members of Little Big Town, praised Keith’s red carpet performance earlier in the evening, with Lynch declaring him one of his heroes.
Despite facing stomach cancer in 2021 and sharing the news in June 2022, Keith provided an optimistic update on his health in October, revealing that chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery were progressing according to plan. Eager to reunite with friends and family, Keith, known for his commitment to supporting families dealing with cancer, co-founded Ally’s House in 2004. The charitable organization aids Oklahoman children and their families facing cancer challenges.
Following the establishment of Ally’s House, Keith continued his philanthropic efforts by founding the Toby Keith Foundation in 2006, dedicated to enhancing the lives of sick children. His commitment to this cause reflects his enduring impact beyond the stage.
