The 62-year-old singer has been battling stomach cancer since 2021 and passed in 2024.

Toby Keith made an emotional return to the stage at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards. The 62-year-old singer, who has been battling stomach cancer since 2021, was on hand to receive The Country Icon Award.

Blake Shelton had the honors of presenting the award to his “Oklahoma brother.” First, Blake took the stage to sing Toby’s 2002 hit, “Who’s Your Daddy.” He then introduced Toby, calling him, “the man who taught me more about performing than anyone else.”

nashville, tennessee september 28 2023 peoples choice country awards pictured l r honoree toby keith accepts the country icon award from blake shelton on stage during the 2023 peoples choice country awards held at the grand ole opry house on september 28, 2023 in nashville, tennessee photo by mickey bernalnbc via getty images

Blake said, “Global country super star, award-winning singer/songwriter, devoted and beloved activist, business powerhouse, Toby Keith is a multi-dimensional artist like no other…A global mega star, a man of the people, and a genuine inspiration, Toby Keith is a true country icon.” He continued to talk about Toby’s devotion to supporting veterans and childhood cancer.

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Toby took the stage and said, “I bet y’all never thought you’d see me in skinny jeans. I want to thank the Almighty for being with me tonight. He’s been riding shotgun with me for a little while. I want to thank my beautiful family. A lot of people go into making a career like this of 30 years…Most of all, I want to thank the fans for still allowing us to do what we do.”

toby keith and trisha lucas at the 2023 peoples choice country awards held at the grand ole opry house on september 28, 2023 in nashville, tennessee photo by tammie arroyovariety via getty images

He then sang “Don’t Let the Old Man In” with tears in his eyes, and Tricia Lucas, his wife of nearly 40 years, was seen wiping tears from her eyes in the audience. The powerful lyrics take on a new meaning with Toby’s health crisis. Toby sings, “Many moons I have lived, My body’s weathered and worn, Ask yourself how would you be, If you didn’t know the day you were born. Try to love on your wife, And stay close to your friends, Toast each sundown with wine, Don’t let the old man in.”

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The PCCA shared a video of the appearance on Instagram, and fans left comments like, “Couldn’t stop the tears with that song, stay strong Toby you are loved,” and “Continued prayers for healing!❤️🙏”