Tim McGraw talks about his family’s battle with cancer, telling about his dad’s passing and his mom’s remission
Country music icon Tim McGraw has been deeply affected by cancer, with both his father and other family members having battled the disease. His personal experiences led him to write the song “Live Like You Were Dying” and become an ambassador for Stand Up to Cancer. Recently, McGraw helped a terminally ill father ensure he could be present at his two young daughters’ future weddings, showcasing his ongoing commitment to supporting cancer patients and their families.
In 2018, Tim McGraw’s fans were left in shock when he collapsed on stage after performing “Humble and Kind.” Twenty minutes later, his wife and fellow country singer, Faith Hill, informed the audience that McGraw was extremely dehydrated, and she decided he shouldn’t return to the stage. While dehydration was the cause of Tim’s collapse, his family has faced more severe health challenges. His father, Frank “Tug” McGraw, a renowned MLB player for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor, glioblastoma, and tragically passed away at the age of 59 in 2004.
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At 56 years old, Tim McGraw recalled the unexpected discovery at age 11 that his biological father was the renowned baseball player he admired, Frank “Tug” McGraw. “Many might not know that I didn’t grow up with Tug,” said McGraw, referring to his dad famous for the phrase “Ya Gotta Believe!” Stumbling upon his birth certificate in old belongings, the revelation initially confused the “It’s Your Love” singer. However, knowing his father’s achievements in baseball inspired him. “Discovering he was a successful athlete made me feel that if he could do it, that capability was in my blood too,” McGraw said. This realization instilled a newfound determination in him, reshaping his perspective on what he could achieve in life.
Tim McGraw’s 2004 Grammy Award-winning album, “Live Like You Were Dying,” is a tribute to his father, with its title song clinching the top spot on Billboard’s year-end country charts. The “One of These Days” artist also faced challenges in his early life, witnessing his mother, Betty Trimble, battle breast cancer at the young age of 27. Betty, who had a brief relationship with Tug at 18, has been in remission ever since. McGraw holds deep respect for her, saying, “My mom’s been through a lot of adversity and stuck by me when nobody else would. She has always encouraged me to sing.”
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Tim McGraw is not just a chart-topping country singer; he’s also an accomplished actor, recently showcasing his skills in the TV series “1883” alongside his wife. Despite the fame and success, life has thrown its challenges at him, from overcoming addiction to handling personal losses. He is a proud father to three daughters and has been consistently supported by his mother and late father. Beyond his personal and professional life, McGraw remains a passionate advocate for cancer awareness.
In 2019, he lent his voice to the “Rewrite the Skies” campaign, a collaboration between Stand Up to Cancer and American Airlines. Reflecting on the widespread impact of cancer, McGraw said, “Every family in America has a cancer story, my own family included. Too many of us have lost our parents, children, spouses and friends to this terrible disease. I’m honored to lend my voice to this campaign to help create a world where all cancer patients can become long-term survivors and have more time with the people they love.”
In February 2023, Tim McGraw went the extra mile for Mike Hugo, a man diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma, the same devastating cancer that took McGraw’s father. Mike, foreseeing a future he might not be a part of, was particularly concerned about his young daughters, Brooke and Bridget, aged seven and six. Wishing to leave them a lasting memory, he took to Facebook with a heartfelt video, expressing his desire to dance with his girls on their wedding day and to sing a duet of “My Little Girl” with Tim McGraw. In his video, Mike mentioned the grim prognosis of the aggressive cancer which usually has a survival rate of just 10 to 15 months but remained hopeful, saying, “I’m going to fight hard to get there, but one of my dreams, or goals, is to do a duet [of] ‘My Little Girl’ with Tim McGraw.”
After Mike Hugo’s heartfelt video went viral, it didn’t take long for it to reach Tim McGraw. In response, McGraw arranged a special meeting with Mike, his wife, and their two daughters. Together, they filmed a touching video for Brooke and Bridget to cherish on their wedding days. The experience equally moved McGraw and took to his Instagram to share their special moment, writing, “Thanx to everyone who shared Mike Hugo’s video on social media and tagged me in the comments. So glad we were able to actually get together in person, meet this amazing family, and make it happen!”
Tim McGraw’s actions highlight the immense compassion and kindness that humans are capable of. His personal experiences, especially the loss of his father, drive him to reach out and make a difference in others’ lives. While there are currently no updates on Mike Hugo’s condition, our thoughts are with him and his family.
