Brett Favre remembers his last conversation with Toby Keith before his death
Brett Favre and Toby Keith
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagicBrett Favre talks about his last conversation with Toby Keith before the country singer's death.
Favre, 54, recalls being concerned about his friend's health when they last spoke TMZ Sports on Wednesday, February 7: “I think he was just tired in the end. He also said that to me during our conversation. He said, 'Brett, whatever happens, I'm fine with it.'”
The former quarterback said he kept in touch with Keith every “about three” months while the musician battled stomach cancer. Favre noted that just two weeks before his death at age 62, Keith complained about the effects of chemotherapy.
“He said, 'I stopped chemotherapy and it probably did more damage to me than the cancer,'” recalls Favre, who had known Keith since the 1990s. “And he said, 'I just hope I didn't quit too late, but… I'm grateful I got the chance to play some shows. I finished them. ''
Toby Keith established himself as one of country music's most legendary stars before his death in 2024. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Keith started playing in local bars as a member of the Easy Money Band. Later, Keith took his talents to Nashville, signing his first recording contract and releasing his debut single “Should've” […]
The athlete continued: “[Toby] handled it with grace, faith and family. And stood up to the cancer as best he could. He was an entertainer. He was the best.”
Keith's family announced his death on Tuesday, February 6. “Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night, February 5, surrounded by his family. He fought his battle with grace and courage,” said a statement on social media. “Please respect his family's privacy at this time.”
Keith revealed in June 2022 that he was taking a step back from his music tour due to his health.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I have undergone chemo, radiation and surgery over the past 6 months. So far, so good,” he wrote via Instagram at the time. “I need time to breathe, recover and relax. I look forward to spending this time with my family.”
The “Red Solo Cup” singer, who shared three children with his wife Tricia Lucuslater offered an update on his treatment.
“I feel pretty good. In short, everything is in a really positive trend. With cancer you never know, so you have to prepare,” he said The Oklahoman in June 2023 about his plans to tour again. 'I have more wind. And I'm thinking about getting the band and setting it up, playing somewhere for two or three days, just to see if I can get through the two hours.”
Keith added: 'All I have to do is see if I can get through two or three nights of work and get a little break from this chemotherapy, and then we'll get back to work. I'm ready. That is life. …I'm still about eight weeks away from my last scan. So I expect that the next time I look for that tumor it will be even less – and I only have one that has turned up.”
Along with Favre, many of Keith's country music peers mourned the loss of the industry.
Toby Keith opened up about his battle with stomach cancer before his death at age 62 in February 2024. “Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” the “Red Solo Cup” crooner wrote via Instagram in June 2022, noting that he was planning a performance break. “I have been undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and other chemotherapy for the past six months […]
Reba McEntire praised Keith in an interview with KOCO 5, saying, “Toby has worked very hard to make a mark in the country music business, and he has done a great job. … I hope he rests in peace. I was very honored to work with Toby and be a part of the era of country music he was in. We will certainly miss him.”
In the meantime, Billy Ray Cyrus called the artist a “the legend” in a statement.
“Heartbreaking this morning with thoughts and prayers for his fans and family. We toured together several times around the world,” he said Billboard. “He was always the kindest… sweetest gentle giant of an outlaw you could ever entertain and make music with. This morning, raise a red cup and say a prayer. Heaven is a honky-tonk tonight.