Randy Travis has a voice that really gives me chills. Even though he had a stroke a while ago, he still sang a beautiful version of “Amazing Grace” in tribute to his fellow country music star, George Jones.
Randy Travis, the famous singer, performed at the Grand Ole Opry. He stood on stage with blue and purple lights behind him, remembering the recently departed George Jones. Other famous singers like Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and Travis Tritt were there too.
Randy’s wife, Mary, has talked openly about how tough it has been for Randy after his stroke and how supportive fans have been.
In July 2013, Randy Travis faced serious health problems. He was rushed to a Dallas hospital with complications from a viral heart condition. He had a stroke, needed brain surgery, and fell into a coma. The doctors thought he might not survive; they gave him only a 1 or 2 percent chance. So, they were considering stopping the efforts to keep him alive.
Mary Davis Travis, Randy’s wife, had a tough decision to make. The doctors asked her if she wanted to turn off the machines keeping her husband alive, letting him go to sleep. It’s a choice many people face in such difficult situations.
But Mary decided to do something different. Even though the experts said Randy had only a 1 to 2 percent chance of surviving, Mary believed in him. She knew he was a fighter, and for her, the option of turning off the machines was not something she could choose.
“I prayed hard, ‘God, please let me have him back, any way, shape or form,’” Mary said, according to USA Today.
Randy was stuck in a coma, connected to many wires, and he looked very weak. But Mary, his wife, never thought about turning off the machines, even though Randy was very frail.
Then, something amazing happened. Randy woke up.
“We’re blessed. We’re happy to be where we are. We don’t know what God has in store for us in the end, but right now, we’re just thankful to be here, and we’re singing a different song,” Mary said. “We’re happy to do whatever we can to help others. Of course, one day, he would love to be back on that stage. Right now, we’re just enjoying life and feel very blessed.”
Randy has been in a wheelchair since his stroke, but he’s making progress. He can walk short distances on his own. He’s also getting back into music, something he has always loved.
He learned to walk again, and in 2016, he was honored by being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“Everyone who knows Randy knows he has had a colorful life. He’s had a tough life at times, but also a beautiful life,” his wife says.
Even though Randy is still dealing with aphasia, a language disorder, he has been working and praying hard to get back to his previous level of talent.
