Country music icon Toby Keith breathed his last on February 5, but not before making sure the world knew how much his wife meant to him.
A few weeks before his death, “How Do You Like Me Now?!” hitmaker reflected on his battle with stomach cancer and how his longtime partner, Tricia Lucus, played a key role in that challenging journey.
Toby Keith Opens Up About How ‘Trouper’s’ Wife Of Almost 40 Years Handled Her Cancer Diagnosis
Keith sat down for a one-on-one interview with News 9’s Robin Marsh, where he discussed his wife’s calm response to her cancer diagnosis in 2021. He praised her for taking charge and supporting him through treatment, saying:
“He used to be a trouper. She is the best nurse. The first time we went to Houston, to the hospital, he walked in, and he just took control and said, ‘We got this. Let’s go.'”
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“So she was like, ‘We’re going to get this and don’t worry about it,'” the 62-year-old added of his lover of nearly 40 years. Keith and Lucus first met after the country music legend graduated from high school.
At the time, the “Red Solo Cup” singer was trying to become famous by working hard in the oil fields and playing bars at night. The couple dated for three years before saying their vows in March 1984. Lucus opened up about their 1991 marriage, telling PEOPLE the singer-songwriter always made her feel loved.
“Most people think he’s the most romantic person on the planet,” he said. “He has his moments of charm. It would be nice to get a bouquet of flowers, but I told her, ‘Save the money. Roses die in five to seven days. Buy me clothes or take me to dinner.’”
After their union, Keith adopted Lucus’ first daughter, Shelley. The couple later welcomed their first child, Krystal, in September 1985 and a son named Stelen in April 1997. In a 2010 interview, the country star gushed about his wife and children, saying:
“Everyone in the family is good. I was raised by good parents, and I have wonderful children. They don’t have any problems at all — none. They all grew up with me being successful, but they weren’t attached to that part of the business.”
Cause of Toby Keith’s Death Revealed
Keith’s death was announced on his official Facebook page through a statement from his family. In the message, they revealed the country music star had died after losing his battle with cancer, writing:
“Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night on February 5, surrounded by his family. He fought his battle with grace and courage. Please respect his family’s privacy at this time.”
Although she received her cancer diagnosis in 2021, the “As Good As I Once Was” singer didn’t reveal her condition until 2022. She announced the news on her Instagram page, telling fans she had spent six months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery.
“So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover, and rest. I can’t wait to spend time with my family. But I will see the fans soon. I can’t wait,” Keith concluded his announcement.
This update explains why she has postponed all of her shows at the time, and her publicist also confirmed that she will not be participating in any shows while undergoing treatment.
Fans Remember Toby Keith’s Legacy
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News of the icon’s death left many in despair, and fans flooded social media with heartfelt tributes. Someone commented on Keith’s legacy in a lengthy message that read: “Not only did we lose a country music legend last night, but we also lost a true American Patriot. A great example of a man with dignity.”
“A man married for 40 years who raised his beautiful children and put his family up there at the top. He LOVES this country SO MUCH, and in every song, the love for this country shines through,” the fan continued, adding:
“A man who will NEVER be forgotten, but will ALWAYS be missed. My heart goes out to his wife, children, immediate & extended family, friends & to the country music community. We lost one of those rare goodies. Calm down, Toby.”
“Rest in peace, legend. We should all drink in our red solo cups to remember how great he was. Fly high; we will always remember you,” said another.
A third commenter wrote: “Heartbreaking news. Praying for his family. Thank you Toby for being a bada– and someone singer like me can respect. A big RIP!”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/