Toby Keith, who passed away this week, found strength in his relationship with his wife amid a scary health diagnosis. Before he passed away, Keith shared his appreciation for his wife.

Country music star Toby Keith expressed profound gratitude for his wife Tricia Lucus\’s support during his first cancer diagnosis in a moving testament to their enduring bond. Keith, whose voice and songs have become emblematic of the American spirit, found a pillar of strength in Lucus.

\”She\’s like, \’We\’re going to get this, and don\’t worry about it,\’\” Keith recounted, sharing the moment they faced the daunting news together. Keith expressed gratitude for how his wife \”took control\” during his cancer treatment and was \”the best nurse.\”

Their journey as a couple began long before the trials of illness, stretching back to their youth. After graduating from Moore High School in 1979, Keith took a path familiar to his family, working in the oil fields and earning $50,000 a year while nurturing his passion for music by playing local bars with his band Easy Money.

During this chapter of his life, Keith met Lucus, who was working as an oil company secretary at the time. \”I was 19, and he was 20,\” Lucus said, reflecting on their early days. Describing Keith as \”one of those larger-than-life guys, full of confidence,\” Lucus shared a glimpse into the origins of their romance. After three years of dating, they sealed their commitment to one another in marriage in 1984.

Lucus has been a constant, unwavering companion through the ascent of Keith\’s music career to the challenges posed by his health. The couple\’s deep connection was publicly celebrated on March 24 last year, marking another anniversary and adding to their shared many milestones. The outpouring of love and support from fans on social media, coupled with Keith\’s words, underscores the depth of their partnership.