One of country music singer Toby Keith, 62, most famous patriotic themes, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” was inspired by the traumatic and emotional September 11 attacks. He wrote the song on the back of a Fantasy Football sheet in 20 minutes to express his patriotism and offer hope.
Keith’s patriotism continued to steer his career and philanthropic endeavors despite his stomach cancer diagnosis in 2021.
He’s since undergone treatment that includes chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for treatment. This summer, he revealed he’s feeling pretty good and nearing the end of cancer treatments.
Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at UCLA, and other cancer doctors tell SurvivorNet that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes. For Keith, supporting the military and expressing his patriotism aids his emotional health by bringing him joy in life.
If you are struggling with your emotional and mental health amid cancer, you can ask your doctor about what resources may be available to you.
Country singer Toby Keith, 62, is known for his patriotism and it reached new heights following the horrific terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. To help the nation heal from the traumatic day, Keith penned “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” which would go on to become a rallying cry for millions of Americans to never apologize for their unwavering patriotism.
“May we Never Forget,” Keith captioned an Instagram post commemorating the 22nd anniversary of 9/11.
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” was released in 2002 when the country was still reeling from the tragic terrorist attacks of 9/11. Keith reportedly wrote the song on the back of a Fantasy Football sheet “in just 20 minutes, one week after the September 9/11 attacks on the two New York City twin towers,” in response to the nation’s spreading grief and overwhelming despair,” according to music resource outlet Genius.
The song was originally slated to be called, “Anger American” but was later renamed the “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” Fox News reports.
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“We all know where we were during 9/11 and the impact it had on this world. Let’s never forget. Always remember. Let’s stay vigilant and never apologize for being patriotic. God Speed,” Keith said in a social media video contextualizing his famous song.
Other patriotic songs by Keith featured on the playlist include “Red Solo Cup,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” and “American Soldier.”
BAGHDAD, IRAQ – MAY 17: Country music star Toby Keith plays (R) plays with Scotty Emerick during a United Service Organizations (USO) performance e May 17, 20,05 at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. Keith taped a portion of the show to be played during the Academy of Country Music Awards program in Las Vegas later that night. (Photo by Mike Theiler/USO via Getty Images)
Keith’s Patriotism Strengthened Overtime Even Amid a Health Challenge
Keith dedicates tons of time and resources to lifting the spirits of others, from kids battling cancer to military members waiting to return to their loved ones. Giving back is among his joys in life and if an element of patriotism can be added to the cause it is even better.
Keith has been battling stomach cancer since 2021. According to the National Cancer Institute, stomach or gastric cancer begins in the cells lining the stomach. He’s since undergone treatment which includes chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. This summer, he revealed he’s feeling pretty good and nearing the end of cancer treatments.
LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 07: Recording artist Toby Keith performs onstage during ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute To The Troops at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 7, 201,4 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for ACM)
After his diagnosis, he stepped away from the big stage to focus on his health. After nearly two years of battling the disease, the “Red Solo Cup” singer recently revealed he’s “feeling pretty good,” in an interview with Country Now.
“I’m about another eight weeks from my last scan. So, I expect next time I look for that tumor to be even less and I’ve only got one that’s shown up,” Keith said.
“Basically, everything is in a real positive trend. You never know with cancer, so you have to prepare,” the country singer continued.
WATCH: See how a woman’s courage and strength helped her overcome adversity including climbing a mountain with an amputated leg.
Amid his stomach cancer journey, finding joy likely helped his overall prognosis. SurvivorNet experts like Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, encourage cancer patients to find what brings them joy and good emotional health.
As Keith demonstrates, just because you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, does not mean you have to stop enjoying life. SurvivorNet has shared many stories from cancer warriors that reveal they often gain a renewed outlook on life after a cancer diagnosis. They tend to find gratitude for activities and loved ones in their lives.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you’re battling cancer or on the other side of it, and you’re struggling to find the joy in life, here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor:
What can I do if I’m struggling to be thankful for what I have in my life?
Are there local resources for people wishing to improve their mental health?
What else can I do to help reduce my stress level during my cancer journey?
It’s difficult for me to find happiness and joy. How can I find help?
Can a social worker or patient navigator connect me with mental health resources?
