As the world continues to mourn the death of Toby Keith, we’re learning more about how the country legend spent his final days.
In a new interview with TMZ Sports, retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre recalls speaking with Keith in the weeks leading up to his February 5 death, explaining the he could tell the end was near for the country star.
“I think in the end he was just tired,” Favre told TMZ. “He did say that to me when we had our conversation, he said, ‘Brett… whatever happens, I’m okay with it.’ “
The former NFL player said he felt compelled to call his friend after seeing how sickly he looked during his December performances in Las Vegas. Favre, who called every three months to check-in, remained hopeful that his friend “turned a corner.”
But he would soon learn that wasn’t the case.
“He said, ‘I quit chemo and it probably did more damage to me than the cancer did,’ ” Favre recalled Keith saying. “And he said, ‘I just hope I didn’t quit it too late, but… I’m thankful I got a chance to play some shows. I finished them.’ ”
The former Green Bay Packers quarterback praised Keith for handling his battle with stomach cancer with grace.
He said the “Red Solo Cup” singer “stood up to the cancer about as good as you can.”
The country star “passed peacefully” Monday night while surrounded by his family.
His death came two years after he announced in December 2021 that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer.
“He was an entertainer,” Favre said. “He was the best.”
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