Country music singer Toby Keith, 61, shared some of his biggest patriotic-themed hits ahead of Independence Day with a special playlist. Keith's love for country and service members inspired much of his work, from "American Soldier" to "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue."
Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021, but he's not letting the disease keep him from the joys in his life, such as his music and causes he's passionate about.
Many cancer warriors often gain a renewed outlook on life after a cancer diagnosis. They tend to find gratitude for the activities and loved ones in their lives.
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.
If you are struggling with your emotional health during cancer, you can ask your doctor about what resources may be available to you.
Country music singer Toby Keith never misses an opportunity to express his patriotism. Even amid stomach cancer, he still honors the troops and professes his love of his country whenever possible. With Independence Day on the horizon, Keith is showcasing his hefty supply of patriotic-themed biggest hits.
In a new Instagram post, Keith spotlights many of his songs in a special Fourth of July playlist for supportive fans to celebrate the holiday.
"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” is among the patriotic songs on the playlist. It was released in 2002, when the country was still reeling from the tragic terrorist attacks of 9/11. Keith reportedly wrote the song "in just 20 minutes, one week after the September 9/11 attacks on the two New York City twin towers, and was written in response to the nation's spreading grief and overwhelming despair," according to music resource outlet Genius.
Other patriotic songs by Keith featured on the playlist include "Red Solo Cup," "Should've Been a Cowboy," and "American Soldier."
But don’t worry — there are other famous U.S.A.-centric songs on the playlist, like "God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood, “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen and “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” by John Mellencamp.
Much of Keith's music is inspired by U.S. military members serving and protecting America. "American Soldier" is among the most notable of these anthems. The song served as an emotional backdrop to a memorable moment in Keith's career when he reunited a military wife with her husband who was serving in Afghanistan.
"Anybody here got a soldier or Marine serving overseas tonight?" Keith asked a rowdy crowd in Houston, Texas in September 2012.
The woman eagerly raised her hand and was brought on stage. Unbeknownst to her, as Keith sang "American Soldier" with a red solo cup in his hand, her husband walked on stage and surprised her.
BAGHDAD, IRAQ – MAY 17: Country music star Toby Keith plays (R) plays with Scotty Emerick during a United Service Organizations (USO) performance on May 17, 2005, 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 has performed in 17 countries lifting the spirits of U.S. troops, according to the United Service Organization, a non-profit that supports military servicemembers and their families.
Keith's love of country and music helps bring the award-winning singer joy in life.
Amid his stomach cancer journey, finding joy can help his overall prognosis. In fact, SurvivorNet experts like Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, encourages cancer patients to find what brings them joy and good emotional health.
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, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for ACM)
"We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes," Dr. Chase previously told SurvivorNet.
Finding Joy During Cancer Journey
Toby Keith is quite a benevolent individual. He 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.
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.
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.
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.
WATCH: Living in gratitude.
Gratitude means being thankful for what you have and showing appreciation for it. It's a mindset that helps people going through tough times and our SurvivorNet experts encourage cancer warriors and their loved ones to practice gratitude.
Battling cancer or disease can be quite stressful. Stress and anxiety can lead to physical issues, and practicing gratitude can help get both under control.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, multiple studies have indicated that learning to live with gratitude can lead to more happiness and less stress.
One way to exercise gratitude is to take time to think about things you appreciate every day. Something else people can do is write down those things in a journal.
"Patients who do well with cancer, they live life with that kind of gratitude, but in terms of everything," nationally recognized colorectal surgeon and Director of the Cedars-Sinai Colorectal Cancer Center Dr. Zuri Murrell tells SurvivorNet.
"Like, they’re grateful, not for cancer, but they’re grateful for an opportunity to know that life is finite, but they live life with– like, I love you to their husband, to their wife, to their kids. Those are the patients that tend to do well with processing and also living a long, long life despite a diagnosis of, like, metastatic colon cancer disease," Dr. Murrell continued.
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?
