Toby Keith performed what many believed would be his last live show after being diagnosed with stomach cancer last year.

Keith canceled the remainder of his 2022 shows during treatment, but despite the toll the disease has taken on his body, he couldn’t miss performing in Kentucky for the Breeders’ Cup horse races this week.

Fans were shocked by his appearance at his hour-long set in Lexington, Kentucky, noting that he was gaunt and slouching.

The 61-year-old country singer has been undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and surgery for the last year. Earlier this month, Keith said on social media the treatments were “pretty debilitating” and that he was taking time to “breathe, heal and rest.”

Friends said he wanted to prove to himself that he could still go out on stage.

Following the impromptu show, Keith accepted the BMI Icon Award in Nashville, joining the ranks of other legendary award-winners such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Jr.

The star posted on Instagram thanking BMI for the award.

“Feelin’ the love,” he wrote.

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Article by Miranda Dipaolo

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