Toby Keith, a cherished figure in the world of country music, garnered significant concern from his fans upon the revelation of his cancer diagnosis.
However, the singer has been consistently providing updates, and now he has taken to Instagram to share some significant career news.
For nearly four decades, Toby Keith’s spouse, Tricia Lucus, has been his unwavering support. Lucus has stood by his side through all the ups and downs, even before his cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. There was a time when Toby Keith faced significant challenges and struggled to establish himself in the industry.
Following his graduation from Moore High School in 1979, Toby Keith began working as an oil field worker, earning a yearly salary of $50,000.
Even during that time, Keith harbored a deep passion for music. Reflecting on his journey, he revealed that he had already written around “200 to 300 songs” before eventually crafting one that would skyrocket to success.
During his free time away from his job, Toby Keith established a band called Easy Money. He utilized this opportunity to showcase his music at various bars and venues. It was during one of these performances at a local bar that he crossed paths with his future wife, igniting a fateful connection.
Their paths intertwined, and Toby Keith encountered Tricia Lucus, with whom he shared an enchanting night of dancing. At that time, Lucus, a 19-year-old oil company secretary, was captivated by Toby Keith’s larger-than-life persona and unwavering confidence, as she revealed to People Magazine in June 2001.
After three years of dating, the couple sealed their love by exchanging vows on March 24, 1984. Prior to their marriage, Lucus had a daughter from a previous relationship in 1980. In time, Toby Keith lovingly adopted her, embracing her as his own child.
Amidst the financial struggles faced by the young couple, Toby Keith’s employer, an oil company, faced bankruptcy. Determined to pursue his passion for music, Keith made the bold decision to dedicate himself entirely to his music career, transitioning into a full-time musician.
Despite the challenging financial circumstances, Keith remained steadfast in his belief that success was on the horizon. He would often reassure his wife, saying, ‘Trish, one of these days, my time is coming. Hang in there.’
With creditors breathing down their necks and advice from others to persuade Keith to seek “a real job,” the couple refused to relinquish their dreams. Their unwavering commitment to their aspirations served as a constant source of motivation.
The singer of the popular song “As Good as I Once Was” has frequently expressed his gratitude for his wife’s unwavering support and her ability to ignore the skeptics. He has acknowledged that it required a resilient and affectionate woman to recognize his musical talent and encourage him to pursue his dreams.
“It took a strong-hearted and loving woman to say, ‘He’s good enough at his music that I’ve got to let him try.”
However, her unwavering belief in her husband proved to be fruitful. According to an article published in Forbes Magazine in June 2013, Toby Keith’s net worth had reached millions. The article disclosed that Keith never earned less than $48 million in any given year, and his earnings between 2012 and 2013 amounted to approximately $270 million.
Throughout a span of twenty years, the singer consistently penned country chart-toppers, securing numerous No. 1 hits annually. His estimated net worth of $500 million places him among the most commercially successful country artists of all time.
His breakthrough moment arrived in 1993 with the release of his song “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” As the song gained significant radio airplay, it swiftly ascended to instant stardom. Subsequently, it became one of the most frequently played tracks on the airwaves throughout the 1990s.
Both their financial situation and personal lives thrived as they built a beautiful family together. Shortly after their marriage, they joyfully welcomed their first child, daughter Krystal, in 1985. In 1997, their family grew even more when they were blessed with the arrival of their son, Stelen.
After establishing a solid foundation in his music career, Toby Keith decided to explore various avenues to expand his financial endeavors. He took the initiative to launch his own line of liquor and also ventured into the restaurant industry with the establishment of Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill chain.
Residing in Oklahoma, the family embraces a serene lifestyle on the outskirts of the city, where they own a 60-acre farm housing 40 Thoroughbred racehorses. Nestled within the property stands an expansive 8,500-square-foot house, serving as a comfortable abode for the family.
Their tranquil existence was abruptly disrupted when Toby Keith received an unexpected diagnosis of stomach cancer in the autumn of 2021. Determined to stand united, the family rallied together to provide unwavering support during this challenging period.
In June 2022, Keith made the decision to temporarily step away from the spotlight, prioritizing his treatment and recovery. This entailed undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, as he focused on regaining his health.
During his expedition, he has diligently kept his fans informed about every detail. His priority is ensuring that his followers are well-informed about his progress. Just recently, he penned a heartfelt update on Instagram expressing his gratitude towards his fans, referring to them as the “best.” He added, “Thank you all for your love and support. I have the best fans in the world.”
Career news
In a recent Instagram post, Toby surprised his followers with a significant career announcement. On May 24, he revealed his acquisition of the iconic bait and tackle brand, Luck E Strike.
The news came as a shock to many of his fans, as it signaled a notable departure from his musical pursuits. Clearly, Toby Keith’s deep-rooted love for fishing has motivated him to venture into the fishing industry as part of his entrepreneurial journey. This move could be seen as a promising indication of his future aspirations as a businessman, especially given the challenging illness he has been courageously battling.
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