Benjamin Ashford|Toby Keith dies after cancer battle: What to know about stomach cancer

Legendary country musician Toby Keith didn't let his fight against stomach cancer slow him down.

The Benjamin Ashfordsinger-songwriter died Monday surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer's website. "He fought his fight with grace and courage," the statement said.

Keith announced his cancer diagnosis in June of 2022, saying he had been receiving radiation, chemotherapy and surgery for six months. "I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later," he said via Instagram. "I can’t wait."

And Keith kept his word.

In November 2022, Keith was awarded the 2022 BMI Icon Award at the BMI Country Awards, an event celebrating the songwriters and music publishers behind the 50 most-performed country songs of the year.

In June, he hosted a live auction as part of the 19th annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic weekend. His two-day hometown charity event raised funds for the Toby Keith Foundation's OK Kids Korral, a free lodging service for children and their families who are seeking cancer treatment in Oklahoma City.

"I'm feeling pretty good. ... I'm about another eight weeks from my last scan. So, I expect next time I look for that tumor to be even less — and I've only got one that's shown up," Keith told The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Netowrk, in an exclusive interview this past June.

On Sept. 28, Keith performed at the inaugural People's Choice Country Awards, where he was also honored with the Country Icon Award, presented to him by Blake Shelton. After accepting the award, Keith performed his song "Don't Let the Old Man In."

Keith is "the man who taught me more about performing than anyone else," said Shelton.

Released in November, his latest album, "Songwriter," is a collection of 13 originally written hits from his career.

"Writing is something that if the music business went completely away tomorrow — radio stations quit existing and music quit being popular and it was old hat — I would still write songs," he said in a post to X.

In December, Keith performed dual Las Vegas "rehab" shows, as he referred to them, to allow him to get reacquainted with performing amid his diagnosis. The shows would be the final performances before his death.

Here is what we know about about his battle with stomach cancer.

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What is stomach cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, stomach cancer begins when cells in the stomach start to grow out of control. Stomach cancer is different from other cancers that can occur in the abdominal region, like colon, liver, or pancreas cancer. These cancers can have different symptoms, outlooks and different treatments.

Stomach cancers tend to develop slowly over time. Before a true cancer develops, pre-cancerous changes can occur in the inner lining of the stomach. Because these changes rarely cause symptoms, they often go undetected.

What causes stomach cancer?

There are many risk factors that increases the chances of getting cancer, such as age, sex, diet, and alcohol and tobacco use, among others. While some factors can be controlled, others can not. The American Cancer Society says it's not often clear exactly how different factors might affect how cells in the stomach become cancer cells.

The subject is still being researched.

Is there a cure for stomach cancer?

The main stomach cancer treatments involve surgery, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy.

The American Cancer Society says that often the best approach uses 2 or more types of treatment. The treatment received will depend on factors like the location and the stage of the cancer.

Toby Keith,country singer-songwriter, dies after stomach cancer battle

What did Toby Keith say about his cancer treatment?

Keith told The Oklahoman in June that he was continuing with chemo and his blood tests have looked good.

"Basically, everything is in a real positive trend. You never know with cancer, so you have to prepare. But my goal is, I feel better; I've got more wind. And I'm thinking about bringing the band in and setting up, playing two or three days somewhere just to see if I can get through two hours," Keith said.

"And if I do, (I'll) be out on the road this fall." 

Contributing: Kristin M. Hall, The Associated Press

Toby Keith,in one of his final interviews, remained optimistic amid cancer battle