UPDATED: Randy Travis Getting His Voice Back, Makes Public Appearance
***UPDATE – Randy Travis made his first public appearance since his stroke on Friday, 2-8-14. See full update below.
Randy Travis is beginning to regain his voice, and there are more positive signs in the recovery of the ailing country star according to his family and other sources.
Randy’s father Harold Traywick has told Closer Magazine that, “He’s getting his voice back now, little by little.” Another unnamed source says that Randy is “anxious to get back to work and connect with his fans,” and is willing to do “whatever it takes to regain everything [he] lost.” Randy has been working through grueling physical therapy sessions to improve his strength and motor skills. “Randy’s doctors are extremely pleased with his progress,” says the source.
There is even word that Randy is working on plans to promote his latest album Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am that was released on September 30th, 2013 amidst Randy’s health woes. This news comes on the heels of photos of Randy on his ranch that surfaced in late January, showing the singer smiling and in good spirits.
Randy Travis was initially admitted to the hospital on July 7th, 2013 for viral cardiomyopathy, or a weakening of the heart muscle. While being treated for the condition at The Heart Hospital in Plano, TX, Travis suffered a stroke as a complication to the treatment, and had to undergo emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. The surgery was successful, but Travis remained in the hospital until late July when he was moved to a rehabilitation facility to deal with the effects of the stroke. While in rehab, Travis contracted pneumonia according to friend Sammy Kershaw. Travis remained in inpatient care until October 11th when he returned to his ranch in Tioga, TX.
In November of 2013, Randy’s father Harold Traywick gave the grim outlook that Randy Travis may never perform again, saying that Randy was paralyzed on his right side and could barely speak. Since then, the news has been more upbeat about Randy’s recovery, with news that he had progressed from needing a wheelchair, to being able to walk with a walker, to now being able to walk on his own.
Specifics on Randy’s condition have been hard to come by for fans worried about the long-term effects from Randy’s recent health problems, leading to much speculation and concern. Randy himself has still yet to make any public appearances or statements since his recent health scare.
***UPDATE 2/8/14: Randy Travis made his first public appearance since his heart problems & stroke at a Smiles For Life benefit concert in Dallas, TX on January 30th. Randy’s good friend Neal McCoy invited him backstage and posted this picture on February 7th. “Pretty honored this was Randy’s first time out and his first time to have Cowboy boots on since his illness,” said McCoy. “Gettin’ Better!!!”
February 6, 2014 @ 3:37 pm
This wonderful news! I hope he continues to do well! Thanks for the update!
February 6, 2014 @ 3:59 pm
This is truly great news and a lot of answered prayers.
February 6, 2014 @ 4:45 pm
Yes,thank you Trigger. I’ve always been a fan. That is a lot for him to have battled all at once. But he is clearly a fighter. He is definitely in my prayers.
February 6, 2014 @ 6:25 pm
Only 4 comments for this?
He must be to mainstream i guess..
February 6, 2014 @ 7:45 pm
I am so happy to hear that Randy is making progress. For some time the news was pretty negative but now it seems he may improve to the point of being able to perform again. He is a great singer and performer.
Hopefully , this will be a new beginning for Randy. He has had some rough times but I believe he will bounce back,
God Bless Randy Travis,.
February 6, 2014 @ 10:57 pm
I’m really glad to hear this. I’m rooting for Randy’s recovery.
Thanks for keeping up with this story, Trigger.
February 6, 2014 @ 11:16 pm
Was listening to all of his classic albums from the 80s/90s this week while off work. Storms of Life is still my favorite, although Old 8×10 is also top notch. Randy, keep your clothes on put down the cigarettes and pick up your guitar and keep making music.
February 6, 2014 @ 11:36 pm
This is wonderful news. So happy his recovery is progressing.
February 7, 2014 @ 2:57 am
This is amazing news. To think that last summer we did not know whether he was going to live or die, and to come from that moment to now when he is recovering enough to be able to sing again…it could not have turned out any better.
February 7, 2014 @ 7:03 am
Very true… At that time I remember thinking any day now there is a chance I will hear the news that Randy has passed away. Thank goodness things didn’t go that way.
February 7, 2014 @ 4:26 am
Great news!
February 7, 2014 @ 7:40 am
Man I love his music. Hopefully this experience will be what stops some of the drinkin’, fightin’, and naked truck crashin’ like behavior.
February 7, 2014 @ 8:12 am
This is great news and I’m really hoping that Randy gets his deserved spot in the Hall of Fame this year!
February 7, 2014 @ 9:21 am
This is amazing!
February 7, 2014 @ 9:32 am
Good for him. I don’t think anyone wanted to see that 4th wooden cross on the right side of the highway.
February 7, 2014 @ 9:34 am
YaY for Randy’s continued recovery! 🙂
February 7, 2014 @ 2:14 pm
Thank the good Lord! Randy God speed sir. Here is hoping there is a jot more music to come.
February 7, 2014 @ 2:36 pm
God bless Randy, was just watching him sing Rock of Ages and thinking of what a great talent he is
February 8, 2014 @ 10:43 am
I’m glad Randy has been given a second chance at life. May this time be better than the past year.
July 30, 2014 @ 9:56 pm
My wife and I have been a Randy Travis fan since he came out with, “For Ever and Ever, Amen”. I told my wife I was dedicating this song as my song to her. We went to see Randy at a little “Grand Ole Opry” in a little town in Illinois called, Taylorville, IL. We are so happy for the GOOD update on his condition. We Pray for him all the time, and God is soooo good, I know he will preform again. When he does, I hope he comes somewhere close to us, because we will sure be in the audience. Get well soon Randy, and may God smile down on you,
Gene & Hermie B.