Toby Keith had "the best nurse" that he could possibly have had in his corner during his two-year fight with stomach cancer — his wife, Tricia.

In an interview just weeks before his death on Monday (Feb. 5), Keith told Robin March from News 9 that Tricia "stepped right in" as soon as he began his treatments, after he received his diagnosis in late 2021.

"She's been a trooper. She's the best nurse," the country icon gushed (quote via People).

"The first time we went to Houston, to the hospital, she stepped right in, and she just took control and said, 'We got this. Let's go.'"

Keith revealed his diagnosis publicly in June of 2022, sharing that he had already undergone six months of treatment.

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Public sightings were rare over the next year, and then Keith stunned his fans by announcing that he would return to the stage at the inaugural People's Choice Country Awards in November of 2023, where he was set to receive the first-ever Icon Award.

Keith then delivered a haunting rendition of "Don't Let the Old Man In," a ruminative ballad about facing one's impending death with bravery and resolve. The powerful performance had everyone in tears — including Tricia, who was wiping away tears when the camera focused on her, and the singer himself, who finished the emotionally fraught performance by bowing his head and closing his eyes.

Toby Keith died "peacefully" on Monday (Feb. 5) at the age of 62, "surrounded by his family," according to a post on his social media pages.

"He fought his fight with grace and courage," the statement adds.

Toby Keith's Sweetest Photos With His Wife, Tricia Lucus

In 1984, Toby Keith married his love Tricia Lucus after three years of dating, and the couple remained together for the rest of his life. Over the years, they raised three children together. Keith adopted Tricia's daughter Shelley, who was born from a previous relationship, and they welcomed a daughter named Krystal and a son named Stelen. Take a look back at the couple's sweetest moments together through the years.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

See Photos From Toby Keith's Final Shows in Las Vegas

Toby Keith played three shows to a sold-out crowd at Las Vegas' Dolby Park on Dec. 10, Dec. 11 and Dec. 14, 2024. These shows would turn out to be his last. Amid his ongoing stomach cancer battle, the country legend died on Feb. 6 at the age of 62.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

Toby Keith Dies: Jason Aldean, Luke Combs + More Stars React

Toby Keith died at the age of 62 on Monday (Feb. 5) after a battle with stomach cancer. His death left the country music community mourning one of its most influential figures and talented songwriters. Here are some of the tributes and memories artists shared as they grieved Keith's passing.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

Toby Keith's 20 Best Songs Prove He's a Country Icon

Toby Keith reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart 20 times during his 30-plus year career, but some of this best songs were deep cuts.

Here are his greatest hits — the top songs from 19 studio albums and beyond.

Toby Keith died on Feb. 5, 2024 after a two-year battle with stomach cancer.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

22 Photos of Toby Keith Young

Toby Keith was one of the most influential artists in country music history, with a career spanning from the mid 1990s all the way until his death in 2024. Let's take a walk back in time and see pictures of Toby Keith young.

Gallery Credit: Evan Paul

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