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TOBY KEITH WEIGHT LOSS: “I’VE BEEN GOING THROUGH MY CANCER FIGHT FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS,”

Country music legend Toby Keith passed away in 2022 after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. During his fight, his physical appearance changed significantly due to treatment. Let’s delve into Toby Keith’s weight loss and his inspiring battle against cancer.

WHO IS TOBY KEITH?

Toby Keith was a famous country music singer from Oklahoma. His big break came in the early 1990s with the song “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”  Over the years, he had many hit songs like “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.”  His music is about loving America, love, and regular folks. He even acted in movies and started his own restaurant chain.

DOES TOBY KEITH HAVE AN ILLNESS?

Yes. Unfortunately, country singer Toby Keith passed away Monday night at the age of 62, over two years after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

In June 2022, Keith announced on X that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021 and had already undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Keith told The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City that his tumor had shrunk by a third and that he was continuing chemotherapy. He also mentioned receiving immunotherapy, a treatment that helps the immune system destroy cancer cells.

His death has prompted renewed calls from doctors to be vigilant about the signs of stomach cancer, which include heartburn, acid reflux, anemia, nausea, ulcers, pain after eating, sudden weight loss, and feeling full after eating small amounts.

TOBY KEITH WEIGHT LOSS: RISING ABOVE THE CHALLENGES OF ILLNESS

Even though he has passed away, his positive spirit and strong will when it comes to his illness still make everyone admire him. When it comes to music, it seems his spirit is more excited than ever.

In an open interview with E! News at the People’s Choice Country Awards in September 2023, Keith described his health as “little bit of a roller coaster,” noting that “you get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and down.” I feel fantastic even though it’s usually zero to sixty and sixty to zero.

Keith announced his Vegas performances and expressed his anticipation for returning to the stage “Hey, everyone! It’s Toby Keith here. In a YouTube video, he said, “It’s been a while. You are aware of my activities; I have been riding the old rollercoaster while riding a shotgun with Almighty. For some reason, he’s letting me drive, but we have a major announcement to make.

He continued, providing the dates of the upcoming shows. “Getting the band back in rhythm, getting myself rolling again—those gigs are kind of like rehab for me,” he explained.

He remarked. “The old devil has been pursuing me a little bit through COVID and cancer.” 

“We’re going to get the band back together instead of just waiting around since I currently have him by the horns. And they were together again, for the very last time. As Keith’s family and friends get through this trying time, our thoughts are with them.”

WHAT DOCTORS SAY ABOUT STOMACH CANCER?

“A lot of these things are relatively innocuous. But of course with a cancer, that’s how it gets you,” Dr. Fabian Johnston, who serves as the division chief of gastrointestinal oncology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, remarked.

Johnston pointed out that doctors and patients often overlook symptoms such as acid reflux, mistakenly assuming they are harmless, which can lead to delayed diagnoses. By the time symptoms manifest, many individuals already have advanced stages of the disease. He also noted that the average age of diagnosis is 68, with men having a slightly higher risk.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 27,000 new cases of stomach cancer are expected to be diagnosed this year. Despite this projection, stomach cancer remains relatively uncommon, accounting for only about 1.5% of newly diagnosed cancers in the United States annually.

Over the past decade, there has been a slight decrease in the overall rates of stomach cancer diagnoses. However, there has been an increase in rates among adults under the age of 50, a trend for which the reasons remain unclear.

“There’s something that’s going on — something we’re eating, something we’re ingesting, some combination of factors that’s modern and present — which is resulting in these increased cancers in young people,” said Dr. Ben Schlechter, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Schlechter noted that while alcohol and tobacco were previously significant contributors to stomach cancer cases, they are now associated with a minority of cases in the U.S., possibly due to decreased smoking rates.

Instead, a lot of new cases are in people with long-term acid reflux or infections with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, which can make the stomach swollen. But scientists don’t know why some people with these problems get stomach cancer and most don’t.

For many patients right now, “it’s a disease of bad luck,” Schlechter said. “Maybe there’s an association with H. pylori infection. Maybe there’s a history of heartburn or reflux, but usually it’s not as clear.”

Schlechter mentioned that stomach cancer is usually very serious compared to other types of cancer.

“It doesn’t mean that people are imminently dying. It just means that the tools that we have to cure them are pretty limited,” he said. “People do pretty well compared to 15 years ago, but we are hardly at the level of, say, breast cancer, where the commanding majority of people are cured with surgery and chemotherapy and things like that.”

Most stomach cancers in the U.S. (up to 95%) are adenocarcinomas. They begin in the inner lining of the stomach and can spread to the stomach wall, the body of the stomach, or the lymph nodes.

TOBY KEITH CAREER

Toby Keith carved a legendary country music career, leaving behind a massive impact. After early stints in the oil fields and semi-pro football, he shifted gears in the 1990s, landing a record deal and skyrocketing to fame with his chart-topping debut single “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Throughout his career, he became a prolific artist, writing and producing many of his hits, amassing an impressive 32 No. 1 singles and racking up over 40 million albums sold. While music remained his focus, he also dabbled in acting, appearing in movies throughout the years.

TOBY KEITH EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Toby Keith Covel was born on July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma. He grew up with his sister and brother, mostly in Moore, Oklahoma, near Oklahoma City. As a kid, he spent summers in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where his grandma ran a club with live music. Watching those musicians got him interested in playing guitar, which he got when he was eight.

After moving to Moore, he went to Highland West Junior High and then Moore High School, where he played football. After high school, he worked in the oil fields, starting from the bottom and working his way up to being a supervisor. But his real passion was music. When he was 20, he and his friends formed a band called Easy Money Band, playing gigs in local bars while he still worked in the oil fields. Sometimes he had to leave concerts to go work in the oil fields.

In the early ’80s, the oil industry in Oklahoma took a hit, and Toby found himself without a job. He tried out for a professional football team but didn’t make it. Instead, he played for a semi-pro team while still performing with his band. After that, he decided to focus solely on music. Easy Money Band started playing in bars and clubs around Oklahoma and Texas, building up their reputation in the honky-tonk scene.

FAQ

1. Why did Toby Keith quit chemotherapy?

Toby Keith reportedly stopped chemotherapy in the months leading up to his passing in 2023. The exact reasons haven’t been made public, but according to his friend Brett Favre, Keith expressed feeling tired from the treatment’s toll. 

2. Where was Toby Keith living when he passed away?

Toby Keith passed away in Oklahoma on February 5, 2024.

3. How rich was Toby Keith?

$400 million.

CONCLUSION

Toby Keith, a famous country music star, died when he was 62 years old on February 5, 2024. He had been fighting stomach cancer for some time. People have been wondering about his weight loss, thinking it might be connected to his sickness. Toby talked openly about his health struggles, focusing on staying strong during his last public appearance in September 2023.

JORJA SMITH WEIGHT GAIN:  “THAT’S NOT ME BEING JADED, BUT I’VE DEFINITELY BEEN AFFECTED BY IT,” 

Singer Jorja Smith has opened up about the impact of online comments on her body image. Smith, known for her soulful voice and powerful lyrics, has faced criticism about her weight gain. This isn’t something she takes lightly, and in her own words, “That’s not me being jaded, but I’ve definitely been affected by it.” Let’s delve into how these comments have impacted the talented artist.

WHO IS JORJA SMITH?

Jorja Alice Smith is a critically acclaimed English singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Walsall, West Midlands, her musical journey began at a young age. By the age of 11, she was already writing songs. A chance encounter with the music industry came in 2012 when a friend uploaded her cover of Labrinth’s “Earthquake” to YouTube. This caught the attention of record producer Guy Moot, who recognized her talent.

Smith’s career quickly gained momentum. Her first singles garnered wider recognition, leading to a signing with Sony/ATV in early 2016. Throughout 2016 and 2017, she released two EPs, showcasing her songwriting skills. In 2018, her debut studio album, Lost & Found, was met with critical acclaim, peaking at number three on the UK Albums Chart. That same year, she won the prestigious Brit Critics’ Choice Award. Her talent continued to be recognized in 2019 with a Brit Award for Best British Female Artist and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. In 2021, she released her third EP, Be Right Back, which again received positive reviews.

However, her success hasn’t been without its challenges. Beyond her music, Jorja Smith has also found herself in the spotlight for her appearance, particularly regarding rumors about her weight gain.

IS JORJA SMITH PREGNANT? 

Rumors have been swirling about Jorja Smith’s possible pregnancy following her recent concert with Burna Boy. Fans noticed a bump in performance videos circulating on social media, sparking speculation. Adding fuel to the fire, Jorja posted photos on Instagram before the show wearing the same dress. In some pictures, she’s seen holding her stomach, which appears slightly rounder compared to older images. Despite the growing online chatter, Jorja herself has remained silent on the matter.

DID JORJA SMITH REALLY GAIN WEIGHT?

Jorja Smith’s sophomore album, Falling or Flying, debuted to rave reviews in late September. Critics at Pitchfork and NME praised it as “sumptuous” and “mesmerising.”  However, despite the critical acclaim, her triumphant return was marred by a disappointing turn of events.  Instead of focusing on her powerful music, the conversation surrounding her live performances shifted towards her physical appearance.

Jorja Smith was interviewed for the cover of PORTER which was just released and there she says: “People comment on me a lot. They comment on what I look like. I don’t search for things, but if I’m on TikTok, I’ll see comments, and they won’t be all negative but… [for example], I’ve put on some weight, which is normal because I’m not a child. Like, it’s cool. But the world doesn’t let you be cool,” she explains. “That’s not me being jaded, but I’ve definitely been affected by it,” she says.

Jorja has since hopped on the Instagram comments to clarify: “I didn’t move to escape trolls & 2 I’m 21 in one pic and 26 in the other. I never was very healthy before either & have to grow in front of u all, what a strange world we live in”.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Jorja has faced online negativity about her weight. In addition to the recent controversy,  videos emerged of her powerful performance in Paris, where she commanded a sold-out arena of 40,000 alongside Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.

“[Wait] a minute is my girl jorja expecting???…” says one user on one of the viral clips of the performance on Instagram. Another user responded with “No, she’s just eating [too] much”. Amongst this rudely presumptuous comment, there were a slew of the comments like: “Nah she just fat” and the comments sections on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok posts are inundated with a copious amount of derogatory and hurtful statements around Jorja Smith’s weight and body shape.

The situation reached a boiling point with the release of Jorja’s “Little Things” remix video featuring Nia Archives.  The focus shifted from pregnancy rumors to a different kind of online harassment.  Jorja’s name and the term “Jorja Smith gained weight” trended on Twitter.  Instead of celebrating the music, trolls bombarded social media with negativity, comparing her current figure to older photos and body-shaming her curves.

“I have put on some weight, but what people don’t know is that I’ve struggled with my weight since I was a kid in school,” Jorja told The Sunday Times. “I usually deal with stuff in silence, but it’s really getting to me now.

“Look, I’m not 18 any more. I haven’t got a plastic surgery body, so my tummy is not flat,” she added. “I can’t escape…[trolling] makes me not want to do photoshoots, not want to go anywhere.”

The constant scrutiny surrounding Jorja Smith’s appearance is pervasive. Whether it’s during a performance on Strictly Come Dancing, at her own concerts, or even TV interviews promoting her new album, it seems impossible for her to escape the public’s obsession with her looks. This relentless body-shaming could have a chilling effect: it might drive Jorja, or any woman in the spotlight, away from the industry altogether.  Who would want to keep creating art under the constant barrage of negativity about their body?

“I just want them to listen to my music,” she said. “But I’ll probably have to deal with this throughout my whole life…I’m actually healthy and people want to have a go at me. I can’t win. I’m never gonna win, but I want people to know that these comments don’t bounce off me.”

JORJA SMITH WEIGHT

Jorja Smith’s weight is not publicly known as she has never disclosed it. No reliable sources report her weight either. It’s important to respect that weight is a personal matter, and individuals have the right to decide whether or not to share such information.

Moreover, weight is not an accurate measure of health. People can be healthy and fit at a variety of weights. Prioritizing overall health and well-being is more important than focusing solely on weight.

WHAT INFLUENCES JORJA SMITH’S MUSIC?

Jorja Smith grew up listening to a diverse range of music, including reggae, punk, hip-hop, and R&B, and wrote her first song at age 11. She was particularly inspired by Amy Winehouse’s raw songwriting style and the album “Frank.” Smith’s music often addresses social issues, as she believes musicians have the power to capture people’s attention. Her influences include Lauryn Hill, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Sade, Nina Simone, Alicia Keys, Mos Def, and the Streets. Additionally, she considers Rihanna a fashion icon.

JORJA SMITH CAREER

Jorja Smith’s career has been on a meteoric rise since the late 2010s. After her debut single “Blue Lights” gained traction online, she was co-signed by established artist Maverick Sabre. Recognition from Drake for her single “Where Did I Go?” further propelled her into the spotlight. This led to a publishing deal with Sony/ATV and the release of her debut EP, Project 11.

Smith’s talent continued to blossom with collaborations with Kali Uchis, Preditah, and Stormzy. She performed alongside big names like Bruno Mars and opened the BRIT Awards with Rag’n’Bone Man. In 2018, she became the first independent artist to win the prestigious Brit Critics’ Choice Award.

Her critically acclaimed debut album, Lost & Found, was released in 2018. She toured extensively in support of the album, including dates in Europe, North America, and festival appearances in Japan. Collaborations continued with artists like Kendrick Lamar and Burna Boy.

More recently, Jorja has hosted a BBC Radio show and released new music, including her 2021 EP Be Right Back and singles leading up to her upcoming album Falling or Flying.

JORJA SMITH AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

Jorja Smith has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. In 2016, her song “Blue Lights” was nominated for Best Song at the MOBO Awards. The following year, she received multiple MOBO nominations, including Best Female, Best Newcomer, and Best R&B/Soul Act. She also earned a nomination for the International Viewers’ Choice Award at the BET Awards.

In 2018, Smith won the Critics’ Choice award at the Brit Awards and was nominated for the Q Breakthrough Act at the Q Awards. At the AIM Independent Music Awards, she won UK Breakthrough of the Year and was nominated for Most Played New Independent Act and Independent Album of the Year for “Lost & Found.” Her album was also shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. The music video for “Blue Lights” won Best Urban Video – UK at the UK Music Video Awards, and Smith was nominated for Best Push at the MTV Europe Music Awards and Best Album at the Urban Music Awards. She received nominations for Best New Artist and the Soul Train Certified Award at the Soul Train Music Awards.

In 2019, Smith was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards and Best Foreign New Act at the Sweden GAFFA Awards. At the Brit Awards, “Lost & Found” was nominated for British Album of the Year, while Smith won British Female Solo Artist and was nominated for British Breakthrough Act. Her song “Blue Lights” was nominated for Best Contemporary Song at the Ivor Novello Awards. She was named Most Played New Independent Artist at the AIM Independent Music Awards. The music video for “Be Honest” received nominations for Best Urban Video – UK and Best Production Design in a Video at the UK Music Video Awards. Additionally, she was nominated for Best Urban Video – UK for “By Any Means.”

In 2021, Smith’s music video “Home” won Best Music Video at the British Short Film Awards.

FAQ

1. Who has dated Jorja Smith?

Jorja Smith is currently believed to be single. She previously dated fellow singer-songwriter Joel Compass, with their relationship starting in September 2017.

2. How old was Jorja Smith when she got famous?

At 18, Jorja released her first extended play, the impressive four-track collection ‘Project 11,’ after gaining attention with her debut song ‘Blue Lights’ earlier that year.

3. How much is Jorja Smith net worth?

$7 million.

CONCLUSION

The constant barrage of comments about Jorja Smith’s weight is a troubling reminder of the unrealistic beauty standards women in the public eye face. This relentless body-shaming takes a toll, and it’s crucial to shift the focus to her artistry. Jorja Smith’s music deserves to be the center of conversation, not her appearance. Let’s celebrate her talent and empower artists to create without the burden of scrutiny on their bodies.