Brett Favre Says Toby Keith Stopped Chemo & Felt ‘Tired’ Before His Death

Brett Favre is recalling the days leading up to his longtime friend Toby Keith’s death.

“I think in the end he was just tired,” the former NFL quarterback told TMZ Sports of Keith, who died on Monday (Feb. 5) of stomach cancer. “He did say that to me when we had our conversation, he said, ‘Brett… whatever happens, I’m okay with it.’”

Favre noted that he would call Keith every three months to check in on him, though was told upsetting news recently. “He said, ‘I quit chemo and it probably did more damage to me than the cancer did,’” Favre recalled. “And he said, ‘I just hope I didn’t quit it too late, but… I’m thankful I got a chance to play some shows. I finished them.’” 

As for remembering his pal, the Green Bay Packers star said he’ll “remember him smiling, and had everyone hooting and hollering and having a lot of fun.”

“He was the best,” he added.

The country icon —  known for anthems like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” and “Made in America” — died “peacefully” after a two-year battle with stomach cancer. He was “surrounded by his family,” according to a statement on his official website. “He fought his fight with grace and courage.” Keith was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and revealed the news to fans a year later, telling them that he was undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and having surgery.