Toby Keith Delivers Unexpected News Amidst Cancer Battle
Toby Keith, a popular country music performer, has garnered a loyal fanbase over the years. When news of his cancer diagnosis surfaced, his supporters expressed deep concern.
Despite the challenges he faced, Keith has been keeping his followers updated, and he recently shared some noteworthy career news via Instagram.
Tricia Lucus, Toby Keith’s wife, has been his steadfast companion for nearly four decades. Even before his cancer diagnosis and treatment, Lucus stood by his side through thick and thin.
There was a period in Toby Keith’s life when he had very little and faced challenges in establishing himself. In 1979, he earned his high school diploma from Moore.
Immediately after high school, Keith took a job in the oil fields, earning a yearly salary of $50,000.
Even during those early days, Keith had a deep passion for music. He later revealed that he had already composed around “200 to 300 songs” by that time, although only one of them would eventually become a hit.
Toby Keith formed a band called Easy Money. When he wasn’t working, he would perform his songs at various clubs and venues. It was at a bar where he met his future wife, Tricia Lucus.
After meeting Lucus, they spent the entire night dancing. At the time, Lucus was a 19-year-old secretary for an oil business. In a June 2001 interview with People Magazine, she shared what attracted her to Toby Keith, describing him as an over-the-top, self-assured individual.
On March 24, 1984, after three years of dating, the couple exchanged vows. In 1980, Lucus had given birth to a daughter from a previous relationship, and Toby Keith welcomed her as his own child.
As Toby Keith’s employer, an oil company, went bankrupt during this time, he made the decision to fully dedicate himself to his music career. Despite financial struggles, he remained confident in his ability to achieve success. He would often tell his wife, “Trish, one of these days, my time is coming. Hang in there.”
The couple faced pressure from creditors, and many advised Lucus to push Keith to find “a real job.” However, they never gave up on their dream.
“As Good as I Once Was” singer has often said how lucky he feels that his wife always supported him and did not listen to the naysayers. He said, “It took a strong-hearted and loving woman to say, ‘He’s good enough at his music that I’ve got to let him try.”
However, her faith in her husband was well-founded. Toby Keith’s impressive net worth was reported in a Forbes article from June 2013. According to the publication, Keith never earned less than $48 million in a single year, and he accumulated around $270 million between 2012 and 2013.
For the past two decades, Toby Keith has consistently produced No. 1 country hits, making him one of the most commercially successful country singers of all time. With an estimated net worth of $500 million, he has achieved remarkable financial success.
His breakthrough moment came in 1993 with the release of his song “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” The song quickly gained airplay on radio stations and became an instant hit. It went on to become one of the most-played songs of the 1990s.
Not only were they thriving financially, but they also built a wonderful family together. After their marriage, they welcomed their first child, daughter Krystal, in 1985, followed by their son Stelen in 1997.
As Toby Keith’s music career flourished, he made strategic moves to diversify his sources of income. He introduced Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, a successful restaurant franchise, as well as a line of liquor. The family also owns a 60-acre property with 40 Thoroughbred racehorses, where they enjoy a peaceful life in Oklahoma. Additionally, they have an 8,500-square-foot home on the property.
However, the family’s newfound success was unexpectedly challenged when Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021. During this difficult time, the family rallied together to provide unwavering support.
In June 2022, Keith announced that he would be taking a break from the public eye to focus on his treatment and recovery. He underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery as part of his treatment.
Throughout his journey, Toby Keith has been keeping his fans updated on his progress. He values his fans tremendously and expressed his gratitude for their love and support through an Instagram post, acknowledging them as the “best fans in the world.”
Toby Keith recently took to his Instagram page to share a noteworthy update regarding his professional endeavors. On May 24, he made a surprising announcement about his acquisition of the renowned bait and tackle company, Luck E Strike.
This announcement caught some of his followers off guard as it represents a significant expansion beyond the music industry. It is evident that Toby Keith’s passion for fishing has inspired him to diversify his business ventures into the fishing sector. Considering the challenging battle he has been facing with the debilitating disease, this move may symbolize a positive sign, reflecting his vision of himself as a successful entrepreneur in the future.