Toby Keith gave his first live TV performance since being told he had stomach cancer in 2021 when he sang “Don’t Let the Old Man In” at the first People’s Choice Country Awards.
Keith sang the ballad, which he penned for Clint Eastwood’s 2018 film The Mule, while dressed in a white cowboy hat, a black jacket, and black pants. He appeared lean yet powerful. Just before going on stage, he remarked after earning Blake Shelton’s Country Icon award: “Bet you all never thought you’d see me in skinny jeans.” “I want to express my gratitude to God for enabling me to be present here tonight. He had been riding shotgun behind me for some time.
Prior to the People’s Choice Country Awards, Keith explained how his struggle with cancer influenced his decision to play this specific song. “Mainly because my battle with cancer over the past two years has been so inspirational to many people. I believed it was appropriate for me to return to television for the first time and perform live,” he told Chuck Wicks.
The native of Oklahoma also provided Wicks with an update on his health, saying that he is “feeling pretty good.” However, he admitted, “It’s a roller coaster. You simply depend on your faith, lean into it, and take the next step. whatever comes after. There is a next every day, so you just do it.
In Norman, Oklahoma, over the July 4th weekend last year, Keith stunned his audience by performing a two-hour set of his top songs, including “American Life,” “Whiskey Girl,” “I Love This Bar,” and “Who’s That Man.” Since disclosing his illness in 2022, it was his first time performing live on stage. He expressed enthusiasm about going back on the road in a June interview with The Oklahoman. Then we’ll resume work, Keith added. “All I have to do is see if I can get through two or three nights of work and get a little break in this chemo.” “I’m set. That is being alive.