Toby Keith Quit Chemotherapy In The Months Before His Death

Brett Farve, who was a close friend to the late Toby Keith, says the country music legend quit chemotherapy in the months leading up to his passing.

As you know, Keith, known for his hit songs 'As Good As I Once Was' and 'Red Solo Cup', passed away in his home earlier this week after a long battle with stomach cancer.

Farve said he called Keith every three months to check in on him, and the most recent time was just days before Keith had passed.

Keith was first diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021 and ended up losing 30 pounds due to the chemo, but that did not stop the country singer from putting up his best fight as he “put on a brave front," Farve said of his friend.

“[Keith] handled it with grace and faith and family and stood up to the cancer as good as you can,” the former Green Bay Packers player said. “[But] I think in the end he was just tired," he added.

"He did say that to me when we had our conversation, he said, ‘Brett… whatever happens, I'm okay with it'," hinting at the fact that he may have known his final days were near.

“He said, ‘I quit chemo and it probably did more damage to me than the cancer did,’" Farve shared in a recent interview. “And he said, ‘I just hope I didn’t quit it too late, but… I’m thankful I got a chance to play some shows. I finished them.’”

Toby Keith passed peacefully on February 5 surrounded by his family, per a statement released to his social media pages. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time," the statement added.

After learning of the news, the country music world spoke out, flooding social media pages with photos and tributes of the 'Red Solo Cup' artist, including Carrie Underwood.

"Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!! Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir!" the 'Before He Cheats' singer wrote in a post. “We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend," she added.

Popular country music band Old Dominion took to social media to share, “Toby Keith was a true trailblazer. Authentic and heartfelt but always with a wink ‘til the end.”

The 'Memory Lane' band added, “He was larger than life in so many ways and his music will live on forever! Raising our red solos tonight—you will be missed by so many. Peace.”

Randy Houser paid tribute to the late country music singer by covering “one of his favorite” songs by Keith — ‘I Love This Bar’.

“An American icon. They do not make em like him every day in my opinion,” Rouser wrote in the caption of the video clip. “It’s late at night or early in the morning, but I wanted to sing one in his honor no matter what time it is. Rest In Peace. Job well done," he added.

'Big Green Tractor' singer Jason Aldean said it was “a sad day for Country music and its fans” as the world lost someone who was a “huge presence in [the country music] business.”

Keith is “someone we all looked up to and respected,” Aldean said.