Toby Keith, his wife, and three kids have maintained a close bond for many years, spending quality time with one another. However, in the coming weeks, months, and years, the family will need to be tighter than ever as they help Keith deal with a terrible diagnosis. What illness is Keith battling? Find out.
American Country Singer, Songwriter, and Record Producer Toby Keith is one music guru who has enjoyed the best of both worlds.
Not only has he enjoyed a stellar career spanning decades with many awards and nominations to show for it, but the icon has also been lucky in his love life. He has been married to his soulmate, Tricia Lucus, for almost four decades.
Toby Keith performs during the Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert to benefit United Way of Central Oklahoma May Tornadoes Relief Fund at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on July 6, 2013 in Norman, Oklahoma | Source: Getty Images
The lovebirds first crossed paths in 1981 at a club in Oklahoma. Keith was 20 while Lucus was 19, and it was love at first sight for the latter. Recalling her first impression of the singer, Lucus told People:
“He was just one of those larger-than-life guys, full of confidence.”
Keith and Lucus’ romantic relationship began not long after their first meeting. They dated for three years before tying the knot on March 24, 1984.
Toby Keith with wife Tricia and their son arrive for the 34th Annual CMA Awards at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 04, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
At the time, the country music singer worked in the oil fields, earning about $50,000 annually. In addition, Keith was also performing with his band, Easy Money, at local bars after hours.
Unfortunately, at some point, Keith’s job went down the drain, leading to his decision to focus on music. With no job and a struggling music career, the singer and his wife battled financial woes. Still, Keith believed he would be great someday and kept encouraging Lucus to hang on.
Toby Keith during a musical performance on Friday, July 5, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
After many difficult years, the record producer’s hard work and hope finally paid off. Today, he is one of the most popular singers and can afford to give his wife the luxury she deserves. Keith does not hold back when it comes to lavishing his wife with romantic gestures and giving her the best treatment.
“Most people think he is just the most romantic person on the planet. He has his moments of charm. It is nice to get a bouquet of flowers, but I’ve told him, ‘Save the money. Roses die in five to seven days. Buy me an outfit or take me to dinner,'” Lucus once confessed.
WHO ARE TOBY KEITH’S CHILDREN?
Keith is a doting father to three children, Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen. Shelley, the oldest of the trio, was born in 1980 to Lucus and a previous partner. However, after Keith married his wife, he adopted Shelley and has taken good care of her ever since.
Krystal, the songwriter’s first biological child, was born in 1985. As a child, she enjoyed a great relationship with her father, despite his busy schedule due to his thriving career.
During a 2018 podcast, Krystal revealed that irrespective of Keith’s fame and fortune, he was a regular and present father. According to Krystal, whenever her father was home, he was so present that she never felt his absence when he had to travel for work.
Keith made sure to be a part of his daughter’s life, giving her crucial fatherly advice when necessary. Krystal mentioned that one important piece of advice from her dad was getting a degree before making any career choices.
The singer wanted his daughter to gain experience before delving into the entertainment industry. Thankfully, Krystal followed Keith’s advice and went to college. Many years later, she now follows in her father’s footsteps as a country music singer.
Krystal has revealed that she writes songs with her dad. However, she has no interest in putting any of their songs on an album until she has “accomplished enough to earn the right to write with someone of his caliber.”
Besides being an accomplished singer, Krystal is also a loving wife and doting mother. She has been married to her husband, Andrew Sandubrae, since 2010, and the duo shares two children, Hensley Jack Sandubrae and Kirby Kaye Sandubrae.
Hensley was born at six pounds, 11 ounces, on October 19, 2015, while Kirby arrived on January 29, 2019. In addition to being a mom and a wife, Krystal is also a big sister to Keith and Lucus’ third child, Stelen.
He was born in 1997, and not much is known about him. However, he made the headlines in 2021 when he walked down the aisle with the woman of his dreams.
Stelen exchanged wedding vows with his longtime girlfriend, Haley, in November 2021 at Cascata Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada. He allowed his Instagram followers to share his joy by posting a snap of the beautiful occasion.
In the photo, Stelen was clad in a black tuxedo, a white shirt, and a black bow tie, while Haley looked stunning in a white wedding dress and blonde hair, holding a bouquet of white roses. The couple was beaming with smiles and held hands while walking down a path decorated with green grass and beautiful white roses.
DETAILS OF KRYSTAL AND HER HUSBAND’S ACCIDENT
On July 4, 2017, Krystal and her family escaped death after they were involved in a near-fatal car crash. Three days later, the mom of two took to Instagram to share a picture of the wrecked car alongside an explanation of their ordeal.
Krystal explained that she, Andrew, and Hensley were on their way to see fireworks to mark the July 4 holiday when a drunk driver rammed into their car.
Thankfully, they survived the crash, but Krystal confessed that it would take some time to heal. She urged the public to keep praying for her family and advised others not to drink and drive.
TOBY KEITH HAS CANCER!
Toby Keith performs onstage during the 2021 iHeartCountry Festival Presented By Capital One at Frank Irwin Center on October 30, 2021 in Austin, Texas | Source: Getty Images
On June 12, 2022, Keith shocked the world when he announced that he had been battling stomach cancer. In a statement he shared on Instagram, the music icon explained:
“Last fall, I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last six months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax. I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”
Since Keith uploaded the statement, the post has garnered 60,000 likes and 6,000 comments. Fans, celebrities, and friends have prayed, hoping Keith recovers soon.
Since 2006, the singer has been active in the fight against cancer. Currently, he has a foundation named Toby Keith Foundation, which provides support for children with cancer.
Keith believes that if he and members of the foundation can take away the stress on a family and comfort a sick child, they will make a difference
in the fight against cancer.