BREAKING: Toby Keith Will No Longer Appear At Cancer Benefit Amid ‘Tough Week’
Toby Keith will no longer be appearing at the Sabeswings’ Second Annual Strike Out Fundraiser this weekend at Rava Wines…
Toby Keith; Photo via Facebook
Toby Keith will no longer be appearing at the Sabeswings’ Second Annual Strike Out Fundraiser this weekend at Rava Wines in Paso Robles, California.
The country superstar was scheduled to appear in person at the benefit on September 18, however, a spokesperson for Bret Saberhagen confirmed to Music Mayhem that Keith is unable to appear as “he is still in recovery” and is having “a tough week,” therefore, he is “not yet up for the travel.”
Toby Keith is set to receive the Sabeswings Second Annual Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition for his work with cancer patient support programs through the Toby Keith Foundation and the OK Kids Korral, the cost-free home for families of children being treated at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center.
Keith, who is also an avid supporter of the United States military, will now accept the Lifetime Achievement Award virtually via a “custom video that will be played at the event” as Keith is “unable to travel.”
According to the event organizer, the “Oklahoma Breakdown” singer is “heartbroken” that he is unable to attend as he is very “passionate about these charities.”
The two-day annual charity event, which will take place on Sept. 18 and 19 and raised over $500,000 in 2021, is hosted by former professional all-star MLB baseball player and World Series MVP, Bret Saberhagen and his wife Kandace Saberhagen.
All proceeds from the event will benefit Saberhagen’s cancer charity SabesWings, which helps cancer patients suffering from medical financial toxicity.
In addition to Saberhagen and his wife, Alexander Ludwig (actor, Vikings), Jim McMahon (NFL legend, The Bears!), Chili Davis (MLB All-Star), Colt Ford (Singer, songwriter, Pro Golfer), Michael Timlin (MLB World Series Pitcher), Scott Erickson (MLB World Series Champion), Michael Tyler (Singer, Songwriter), Jeffrey Fassero (MLB Pitcher), Billy Swift (MLB Pitcher), Patrick Davis (Songwriter w/ Hootie and the Blowfish), Lauren Jenkins (Musician and songwriter), Channing Wilson (Songwriter), Tim Nichols (Songwriter), Sean Berry (MLB 3rd baseman), Roshni Gurnani (Chef, Winner- Food Network’s Chopped), Tully Kennedy (Bassist for Jason Aldean/Songwriter/Producer) and more are also expected to attend the charitable event.
The nearly sold-out affair will highlight live music, sports stars, celebrity chefs, extraordinary wines, and outstanding golf. Participants at the evening’s dinner will experience eclectic entrees from celebrity chefs.
SabesWings began after Kandance Saberhagen fought her own battle with breast cancer and the couple then realized the amount of hardship in the world created by the disease. They collectively saw a solution to aid in providing financial support for cancer patients. The foundation SabesWings provides financial assistance to cancer patients forced to choose between paying medical bills and everyday household expenses. It gives families a chance to heal without worry.
For additional information on the upcoming event visit www.SabesWings.org.
Toby Keith revealed his cancer diagnosis with fans in early June.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax,” the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member wrote at the time.
He added, “I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”
All of Keith’s upcoming concert appearances have been canceled.
In 2021, Toby Keith released his 19th studio album, Peso In My Pocket. The project includes the fan-favorite track, “Old School,” as well as his brand-new radio single, “Oklahoma Breakdown.”
Co-produced by Keith and Kenny Greenberg, the 10-track album includes songs co-written with Sammy Hagar, former front man of Van Halen, as well as cuts from the Warren Brothers, Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris, Jessie Jo Dillon and more.
Throughout his career, Toby Keith has charted 61 singles on the Billboard Hot Country charts, including 32 No.1 singles.
Written by
Lauren Jo Black
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.