Country singer Toby Keith has revealed he has been privately battling stomach cancer and receiving chemotherapy treatments for six months.

“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” Keith explained. “I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.

The 60-year-old singer, who released his 19th album, Peso in my pocket, in 2021, was scheduled to perform a number of concerts in North America from mid-June to early November. Many of these dates will be rescheduled as Keith continues his recovery.

On May 31, Keith performed over Memorial Day weekend at the Heroes Honor Festival at Daytona International Speedway. Keith was scheduled to perform in Illinois and Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 17 and 18, respectively, in addition to a handful of concerts scheduled from mid-July to early August, including the Ohio State Fair on July 28, which was cancelled.

“Our hearts go out to Toby Keith as he bravely battles cancer,” the Ohio State Fair tweeted.

Keith is a long-time advocate for people battling cancer and started the Toby Keith Foundation in 2006, which provides help and support to children battling cancer. In 2014, the foundation expanded with the OK Kids Corral, which provides free housing for families receiving treatment for childhood cancer near Keith’s hometown of Oklahoma City.

Several weeks before Keith revealed his diagnosis, his 2022 Golf Classic in Oklahoma City and Norman, Oklahoma raised more than $1.38 million for the OK Kids Corral.

In his post, Keith said he was looking forward to some time out as well as a return to the stage.

“I’m looking forward to spending this time with my family, but I’ll be seeing the fans sooner rather than later,” Keith said. “I can not wait.”

Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage