[Editor’s Note: Shortly after posting a story about RibFest this coming weekend, we learned that Toby Keith will not be performing as planned. Here is that story.]
Country music superstar Toby Keith has withdrawn from his planned performance at RibFest this Friday due to treatment for stomach cancer.
In a message on his Instagram account, Keith described the treatment he has being going under since being diagnosed last fall, which include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.
“I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait. -T”
Keith is a longtime advocate for families facing cancer diagnoses, and helped found Ally’s House in 2004, a nonprofit group that assists Oklahoma children with cancer and their families.
Subsequently, he established the Toby Keith Foundation in 2006 “to encourage the health and happiness of pediatric cancer patients.”
“In 2014, the foundation opened OK Kids Korral, a cost-free, convenient and comfortable home for pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, Stephenson Cancer Center and other nearby facilities,” the foundation’s mission statement said.
Organizers of RibFest have stated that they plan to replace Keith onstage and will make an announcement shortly.
