Country star Toby Keith won’t attend Paso Robles cancer benefit. Here’s why
Country music star Toby Keith will no longer be appearing in person at the SabesWings benefit for cancer patients in Paso Robles.
“He is still going through recovery and it is a tough week,” Matt Heien, spokesperson for SabesWings, wrote in an email to The Tribune on Thursday. “He unfortunately will not be able to attend the event in Paso Robles this weekend.”
In June, Keith announced on Instagram he was receiving treatment for stomach cancer.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” Keith wrote. “I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax. I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”
Despite Keith’s absence, the SabesWings benefit will still honor him and his work with the Toby Keith Foundation supporting children and families coping with pediatric cancer.
Instead of receiving his lifetime achievement award in person, Keith is expected to provide a prerecorded acceptance speech to Bret and Kandace Saberhagen, the founders of SabesWings, which raises money for people coping with huge cancer treatment bills.
“Through Bret, he apologizes and wants to thank all those involved and hope to see you next year,” Heien said.
The SabesWings “Strike Out” benefit will be hosted in Paso Robles on Sunday and Monday. It includes a dinner and music at Rava Wines and a golf tournament.
To get tickets, visit sabeswings.org/events-2/.
This story was originally published September 15, 2022 at 12:34 PM.
