People's Choice Country Awards: Icon Recipient Toby Keith Shares ...

29 Sep 2023

E! Online

Little Big Town Excited To Host People's Choice Country Awards

Toby Keith is hoping to raise a red solo cup to good health.

The country singer, who is set to receive the Country Icon Award at the People's Choice Country Awards Sept. 28, shared an update on his battle with stomach cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2021.

"I feel pretty good," Toby, who noted in June that his tumor had shrunk by a third of the size, exclusively told E! News. "It's a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days and, you know, you're up and down, up and gown. It's always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today." (See every country star on the red carpet here.)

After all, the 62-year-old has plenty to celebrate at the inaugural show.

"It's nice to recognize my 30-year career," Toby shared. "It's pretty mind-boggling." (Catch more of Toby on tonight's E! News, airing at 11 p.m.)

As for what the "Red Solo Cup" singer is most proud of? "My songwriting," Toby, who walked the red carpet alongside wife Tricia Lucus, said. "Those years of pounding those songs out there and remembering where you were when each one was conceived and all that, it's amazing."

And while he's set to perform his song from the Clint Eastwood film The Mule "Don't Let the Old Man," there are plenty more jaw-dropping moments to come.

Blake Shelton, Dan+Shay, Little Big Town and Kelsea Ballerini will all take the stage to wow the audience at the Grand Ole Opry—and, of course, everyone watching from home.

Allen Clark/NBC via Getty Images

For more interviews tune into E! News Sept. 28 at 11 p.m.

And for a complete look at all the stars who have arrived at the 2023 People's Choice Country Awards, keep reading...

Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari

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Kane Brown

In Allen Edmond shoes.

Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty Images

Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott & Dave Haywood of Lady A

Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty Images

Blake Shelton & Wynonna Judd