Toby Keith receives icon award with laughter amid stomach cancer struggle
Blake Shelton had the honor of presenting Toby Keith with the prestigious Country Music Icon Award
Renowned country music artist Toby Keith, currently facing a challenging battle with stomach cancer, demonstrated his enduring spirit and sense of humor while accepting the Country Music Icon Award at the People's Choice Country Awards 2023.
The event, which took place on Thursday night, celebrated Keith's remarkable career as an entertainer, humanitarian, and businessman.
Country superstar Blake Shelton had the honor of presenting Keith with the prestigious award, following a touching video montage that paid tribute to Keith's impactful journey through the years.
Upon taking the stage, Toby Keith playfully quipped, "Bet you thought you'd never see me in skinny jeans."
This lighthearted comment alluded to his recent weight loss resulting from his ongoing battle with stomach cancer, prompting laughter from the audience.
In a deeply emotional moment, Keith expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to attend the awards ceremony and offered a heartfelt acknowledgment to his fans, stating, "I want to thank the almighty for allowing me to be here tonight. You've been riding shotgun with me for a little while."
He also extended appreciation to his family, dedicated team, and the many individuals who have contributed to his illustrious 30-year career.
Following his acceptance speech, Toby Keith delivered a powerful performance of his hit song, Don't Let the Old Man In.
This marked his inaugural televised performance since publicly disclosing his stomach cancer diagnosis in June.
