Toby Keith shared a major update with fans regarding his recent stomach cancer diagnosis. The country star alarmed the world earlier this year when he told fans about the cancer diagnosis from last fall.

Breaking the news about his ailment, Keith said, “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.” He also informed fans that this would not be the end of the road for his performing career, saying, “I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait. -T”

Toby Keith is back in the news now after he became the first-ever winner of the Country Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards. In an interview before the award show, Keith spoke about his battle and gave an update on his health. He told ENews:

“I feel pretty good. It’s a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and gown. It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today.”

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Keith shared even more news about his condition and spoke about the role that in Faith in God has played in his recent mental well-being during tough times.

He said, “I lean on my faith and I just pray and lean into it. You gotta’ do what you gotta’ do, and I don’t know how people do it without faith … that’s what I did, it was my rock.” 

Keith was presented with the Icon award by fellow country singer and close friend Blake Shelton in Las Vegas. Keith was incredibly complimentary of Shelton after the show when asked how he felt about receiving the honor.

“He’s who I would’ve chosen. He’s an old friend of mine, I was his first tour when he came out. We remain friends, we’re a lot of like … kindred spirits kind of thing.”