Toby Keith To Give First Television Performance Since Cancer Diagnosis

For the first time since his cancer diagnosis in 2021, Toby Keith is returning to television to deliver a live performance.

The first-ever People’s Choice Country Awards are set to take place Thursday, September 28, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The show, that will air live on NBC and Peacock, announced its lineup of performers and it looks like it’s going to be a night to remember!

Performers will include Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay and HARDY, who will sing some of their biggest hits, according to PEOPLE. Other artists taking the stage include Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Little Big Town, Wynonna Judd and Toby Keith.

While Toby Keith has performed in public in recent months, his People’s Choice Country Awards appearance will mark his first televised performance since his cancer diagnosis in the fall of 2021.

Keith announced his stomach cancer diagnosis in June 2022.

“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.”

 

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A post shared by Toby Keith (@tobykeith)

Nearly six months later, Toby made a surprise appearance at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse In Lexington, Kentucky, where he sang to patrons for nearly an hour. The moment marked the first time the “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” singer sang publicly since his cancer diagnosis.

In the months that followed, Toby surprised fans on occasion with impromptu performances that included crashing another artists’ set in a hotel bar, joining LoCash on stage, and helping the Oklahoma University softball team celebrate a national championship by singing a rowdy rendition of “How Do You Like Me Now?” at Toby’s Oklahoma restaurant.

Sooner celebration.
Unapologetic
and @tobykeith remains one of the best humans ever ❤️ @OU_Softball pic.twitter.com/vXSbynIR2Y

— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) June 9, 2023

Toby Keith will be presented with the Country Icon Award at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards.

The award is the latest in a string of honors Keith has received in recent years. In 2022, he was name a BMI Icon and received the National Medal of Arts and inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.

“We’re overjoyed to honor legendary artist Toby Keith with the first-ever country icon award,” said senior VP of entertainment live events for NBCUniversal, Cassandra Tryon. “As a talented songwriter and powerhouse performer, Keith has touched the hearts of fans across the globe. His illustrious career and passion for philanthropy has cemented his place as an icon in country music history.”

As excited as fans are for Toby Keith to be recognized with the Country Icon Award, they are just as excited to see him perform live on television once again.

Tune in to NBC or Peacock on September 28th at 8/7c to hear Toby Keith perform.