Randy Travis May Never Perform Again, Says Father
News from the camp of Randy Travis was bleak this weekend when sources close to the country music singer painted a grim picture about the prospects for Randy’s long-term recovery and the possibility of him performing in the future. According to Randy’s father Harold Traywick, “Randy is still in very bad shape. It’s possible he’ll never perform again.”
Other, unnamed sources went into further detail with tabloid magazine The National Enquirer, saying that Travis had to have a portion of his skull removed during emergency brain surgery that was then reattached with titanium screws. One source described as a family friend says, “Randy is still paralyzed on his right side. He can’t walk and he can barely speak. There’s nothing more doctors can do. Randy’s chances of a full recovery don’t look good.” This source could not be verified independently by Saving Country Music, and no official word from Randy or his publicist has been given about his long-term prognosis.
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.
Specifics on Randy’s condition have been very 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 yet to make any public appearances or statements since his recent health scare.
November 4, 2013 @ 8:58 am
Much love to RT and family. I hope he can recover well enough to appear and let the fans show him how much he means to country music.
November 4, 2013 @ 9:00 am
Tragic to hear, to have one of the greatest voices in country music silenced so young is a horrible thought. I pray for Randy’s recovery and that someday he will be able to preform again.
November 4, 2013 @ 9:00 am
Hate to hear this news. One of my favorite voices in country music. Thoughts and prayers to he and his family.
November 4, 2013 @ 9:45 am
so sad to here this i love to here randy sing he is great prayer for randy and family
November 4, 2013 @ 9:47 am
Heart breaking. He’ll be in my prayers.
November 4, 2013 @ 10:09 am
Because of my parents I know every word to every Randy Travis song up to about 1990. I didn’t know much about country music then and have come to appreciate Randy’s work much more now than back then. Sad to hear he may not ever preform again. Thoughts for Randy, his family and friends. Thank you for the article.
November 4, 2013 @ 10:09 am
Heartbreaking news….Randy is a top country singer, I’ve followed his songs throughout his whole beginning, he’s down to earth and a terrific person..for something as this to happen is devastating, we can only wish for the best outcome and his faith in god will pull him thru where miracles do happen!!! Prayers for you Randy!!!!
November 4, 2013 @ 10:18 am
This is very tragic and sad news. I was really looking forward to his return to the music world. Much love and prayer for him and his family.
November 4, 2013 @ 10:32 am
That’s sad. Best wishes for him and his family. I wouldn’t buy what National Enquirer says though, knowing how far off the tracks they are most of the time.
November 4, 2013 @ 11:11 am
Actually, the Enquirer has a much better track record than most people would like to admit.
November 4, 2013 @ 11:50 am
Trust me when I say that when I wrote this story, I was very mindful of where some of the information was coming from, and how it was being conveyed. First off, the quote from Randy’s father Harold Traywick is not a spurious, unnamed source. It is a confirmed person close to Randy Travis who is in a position to have intimate knowledge of Randy’s condition, and that was the basis for this article. As for the quotes from other unnamed sources from the National Enquirer, as I portrayed in the story, they should be taken just as that: unnamed, unconfirmed sources.
I struggled with whether I should post this story because of the nature of the information. But in the end I decided it was better that people read this information without some of the sensationalism the Enquirer decided to use in their story, and to use the opportunity to point out that some of the quotes out there about his condition are coming from people that we have no idea if they’re in a position to deliver accurate information or not. At the same time, as Andrew points out, The Enquirer is actually more right than they get credit for, and it’s usually how they convey their news that gets them in people’s bad graces, not because their sources are bad, or their information is untrue.
This is a very sad story, and there are many people’s lives that have been personally affected by Randy’s health problems. The lack of news or updates, especially from Randy himself, has lent to rumor and conjecture, and the way you counteract rumor is with accurate information conveyed without sensationalization or assumption.
With the work and breakthroughs happening in the neurological field right now with stem cells and other treatments, I don’t think any of us know what the future holds for Randy, regardless of his current condition. It is probably also important to point out that because of tort lawsuits, etc. doctors always err on the side of giving the worst case scenarios to patients.
On a personal level, I am choosing to remain positive about the long-term prognosis of Randy Travis.
November 4, 2013 @ 1:18 pm
Ask John Edwards about the National Enquirer they are the one that broke the story of his rendezvous with his mistress in the middle of his presidential campaign not the mainstream political media. Not saying they are totally reliable but you can’t dismiss them out of hand.
November 4, 2013 @ 8:02 pm
This is the first I’m hearing of this since I rarely watch the news. I’m with you, I choose to stay positive! I wish I could go and stand next to him sending him a force of healing vibrant energy. I believe in so many more modalities than they may be using with him. Thank you.
November 5, 2013 @ 12:39 pm
ok, so you know more than the doctors…Randy drank himself into this condition..NO sympathy here.
November 5, 2013 @ 2:09 pm
Garbage comment.
Listen and watch what Randy Travis’s doctor Michael Mack said about the cause of his health problems. (at the 2:49 mark)
“From the appearance on echo cardiograms, which are images of his heart, this is not the appearance of either drugs or alcohol causing the heart condition. Mr. Travis does have a family history of cardiomyopathy, and it is more likely related to that.
November 5, 2013 @ 7:52 pm
you know nothing about what you are talking about. I have been close friends with Randy for many years and this had nothing to do with drinking or drugs. You dont have to listen to me, listen to the doctors and surgeons, he has a heriditary heart condition, that lead to this you dumb ass!
November 7, 2013 @ 10:45 am
I’ll back Sandra up on this. His illness had nothing whatsoever to do with drinking or drugs. THAT IS A FACT
April 19, 2015 @ 7:57 am
This is also right I have a close friend who is with him daily and he has told me the same thing. But he also say Randy and his father are estranged and that he might be getting compensation for his reports. So you might want to reevaluate who you think your best sources are. He might be able to speak but he can sing what he wants to communicate to his caregivers and his family.Now i’m not saying he can sing like he has on stage but it is proof that someday he may be back. But it will take a while we will have to wait to see.
November 8, 2013 @ 9:58 pm
To klaatu01: Damn it! I thought I was the KING of UNEDUCATED STATEMENTS…you have plundered my crown with your brash & prejudicial opinion,…woe.
November 5, 2013 @ 5:11 pm
Just let Randy know that his life is valuable no matter what condition he is in health wise. I’ll be praying to the Trinity for what God wants for Randy now. I once had to give up a love of mine (playing tennis) because it had become my god. So who knows why he finds himself in this situation as God see’s him. God cares more about his eternal condition that his singing career. Randy: keep your eyes towards God and your hopes upon Him. God bless!
November 4, 2013 @ 12:16 pm
Wow. That really sucks! Thoughts and prayers for Randy. Maybe there’s a miracle in there somewhere.
November 4, 2013 @ 1:22 pm
Hopefully he can at least reach a point where he can live a fulfilling life. Beyond that it’s all gravy.
November 4, 2013 @ 1:23 pm
This is very sad news. I hate to hear it. I will have to say a prayer for him and his family.
November 4, 2013 @ 3:49 pm
Wow. So sorry to hear this.
November 4, 2013 @ 4:07 pm
I wish Randy a full recovery…Have faith…
November 4, 2013 @ 4:18 pm
This is all that greedy woman’s fault.
November 7, 2013 @ 10:42 am
You couldn’t be more wrong.
April 19, 2015 @ 7:45 am
You are right, his girlfriend is not the problem. She has been by his side and made sure he has the best care he can get.
November 4, 2013 @ 4:26 pm
Still praying for you Randy. Your music is real country and your voice was our country music needs. If you can’t ever perform again it would be a great shame and hurt for us real country music fans. I hope you can have a long life and get to the point where you can at least ,walk and talk ,atleast you can see how many love you and your music.
November 4, 2013 @ 5:06 pm
This news is so heartbreaking!
Randy Travis is easily one of the finest traditional country music singers that the genre has ever known.
His debut album, ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) is a classic and is the benchmark upon which all albums which followed have to be judged.
I run the Ireland-based Gene Watson Fan Site (on a non-profit basis) at http://www.gene-watson.com and have done so since September 2004.
It is a dream of mine to acquire a ‘Peer’s Quote’ about Gene Watson from Randy Travis.
Gene recorded Randy’s wonderful song ‘The Great Divide’ (co-written with John Lindley) and included the track on ‘Back In The Fire’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988); Gene also mentioned Randy in the album’s liner notes and stated that the track was his favorite cut.
I sincerely hope that Mr. Travis makes as good a recovery as he possibly can and that he has an opportunity to take his rightful place behind a microphone.
The country music genre needs him so much; he really leaves a void that only his greatness can fill.
Warm Regards,
Sean Brady
November 4, 2013 @ 6:04 pm
Sending prayers! The Lord is The Great Physician!
November 4, 2013 @ 6:30 pm
I am praying for you Randy and will continue to pray for you. God can perform miracles, and I pray for one for you soon.
Take care,
Love and God bless,
Catherine Climpson
November 4, 2013 @ 8:50 pm
praying for your healing, and your return to music. Love you.
November 5, 2013 @ 2:31 am
I really hope this is not true. Keeping my fingers crossed for Randy’s full recovery!
November 5, 2013 @ 8:02 am
My late mother’s four favorite artists, in order:
Gene Watson
Alan Jackson
Clint Black
Randy Travis
FWIW
November 5, 2013 @ 8:22 am
Our prayers and hopes of a full recovery to mr Travis. His songs have always been an inspiration to me especially his amazing grace, touches my heart to hear him sing this song. He is and will always be on that top shelf of country music and gospel songs, right next to George Jones. God bless you Randy
November 5, 2013 @ 8:59 am
So very tragic. A one of a kind singer! Hard to think he may not perform again. Definity wish him the very best and his family.
November 5, 2013 @ 9:01 am
So very tragic. A one of a kind voice. Hard to hear he may not perform again. He brought a lot of good music to this world. Wish him a lot of love and his family!
November 5, 2013 @ 10:56 am
Tragic news. I hate the thought that we may have heard the last notes from Randy’s mouth, but very strongly hope that is not the case. Thanks for the update.
November 5, 2013 @ 11:47 am
Prayers for him and his family…for complete healing…so sorry this has happened…
November 5, 2013 @ 1:41 pm
Praying for the good Lord to touch you and bring healing….
November 5, 2013 @ 2:11 pm
Trigger,thanks for reporting this article!People can take it as it was intended,information about a “Great Country Singer”who’s not in good health.Thank You for the info,I enjoyed Randy Travis’s music,and Hope he gets Better!
November 5, 2013 @ 6:24 pm
From Union County,NC….Praying God will heal him. Would love to see him do an all gospel album and him be able to tell the world of how God touched him.
November 6, 2013 @ 4:44 am
Randy and family, if you read this comment please know you have many people out hear who are praying for your recovery; Randy in your music you are a faithful man and our maker above (our Good Lord), blessed you through all these years with the gift of music. He can bless you again with life, just believe and never lose your faith, 100% faith and 0% doubts, for he walks with us each and everyday if you ask him to. I will keep you in my prayers and believe in God’s will to heal you. God Bless you
November 6, 2013 @ 7:52 am
Integrity first….for those who judge….
I hope your life is as awesome as you pretend it to be on ‘facebook’.
November 6, 2013 @ 2:59 pm
I also hope that Randy Travis recovers, at least more fully than the article indicates. While I think it likely that the National Enquirer’s story is accurate, I still wonder why news about the medical problems of celebrities who aren’t elected or appointed government offiials is anyone’s business. If the celebrity chooses to talk about an illness, such as Sheryl Crow choosing to publicize her breast cancer as a warning to others to get screened, that’s one thing, but for the most part, I wish the media would respect the privacy of entertainers..
November 7, 2013 @ 10:37 am
Don’t believe everything you read……..and don’t count him out. Recovery from this type of brain insult is very slow. He is highly motivated and has a good attitude. Expect to see good things regarding Randy in the months ahead.
November 8, 2013 @ 12:27 am
Randy is and will always be my favorite singer. My Prayers and thoughts are with him and his family. I am praying that Randy has a complete recovery and will just have faith that he will prove to others that he can do it with God’s help. I will always Love you Randy Travis!!
November 8, 2013 @ 10:14 pm
My sincerest wishes for a healthy recovery and appreciation of the love and admiration that the seeds of his talents have sown. I’ve been a fan since “1982” and will surely treasure Randy Travis’ talents til the day I die.
November 8, 2013 @ 10:20 pm
http://youtu.be/ojVRNCKlaatu01sEGbU
November 8, 2013 @ 10:29 pm
oops….ah ha ha hahahaaaaa!
January 2, 2014 @ 9:49 pm
Super grate talent that has held true to country music all the way and kept his music country. Seeing Randy perform was and is a honor He puts on a clean family show and where he has talent that voice is like gold. And to those who had to put something neg on here of him don’t the BIBLE say let him with out sin cast the first stone I thank i rather be in Randy’s shoes than yours Randy if you ever see this I pray for your speedy recovery and wish you the best and just look up to the one who has all power over HEAVEN AND EARTH i know you know well that power and it works when you feel down just keep on praising GOD for he is the healer.
BEST WISHES
June 23, 2014 @ 4:41 pm
You are right God cares more about your eternal soul, even though God gave him that musical talent, he can also restore it.
lgyar
February 21, 2015 @ 7:38 pm
Randy just remember that God has a plan and Jesus is King of Kings.
April 19, 2015 @ 10:25 am
It is just so uplifting to read comments here from all of the people that Randy and his gift have touched throughout the years . My young son is a rocker through and through …but when he hears Randy , George Jones or Merle being played around the house , he invariably comments on the emotion these greats can stir with their heartfelt performances and the songs of the great writers they worked with . He has no use for ‘pseudo-country’ ( today’s mainstream ) but totally gets where these greats were coming from . Randy , through his dedication to the genre and a great song ,hopefully feels some solace in knowing that his unique talent and his commitment to the Art ( yes ….Art with a capitol A ) of country music continues to touch generations the way GREAT music should . God bless him .
May 7, 2015 @ 6:07 pm
I have been a country radio dj since 1967 and worked for 8 fine country stations in 4 states, both weekends and fulltime, till 2012. We can all agree on some things being BOTH positive and realistic. I LOVE Randy’s sound and hope hard he comes back in a couple years. Remember, Waylon Jennings, to my knowledge, is the ONLY country singer on record to have had BOTH a serious stroke AND several years later a near fatal heart attack WHILE PERFORMING. And within monthgs of both he was back good as ever. Is it
realistic to think or hope Randy will? Only his physicians and probably wife and family know that, and its no “sure thing”. Whether the heart problem was made worse by earlier substanced abuse is NOBODY’S business but again except doctor and family (the HIPPA law) The great Vern Gosdin came back not 100% but good after a series of strokes. Patsy Cline took the stage for 6 months after her 1957 car crash with a severe facial scar and didn’t let it stop her The late Jimmy Dickens made a CAREER of being “little, loud, friendly and TALENTED” instead of crying negatively “I’m just 4 feet 8”.
(i met Jimmuy’s wonderful wife Mona in mid Michigan when i worked at WCXI Country Classic Radio and SHE sure looked at his soul, heart, smile and personality, NOT the physical. (Condolences Mona and all Tater’s family and fans) If Randy doesn’t recover enough to sing the way we remember, he STILL has a Hall of Fame Career that forced country to swing back traditional for l0 years! and NOBODY can take that from him. I lost many friends over the years and ruined a personal friendship with Waylon Jennings in 1974 from being negative, gossiping and petty. Randy came from next to nothing and with Lib and a lot of other people’s help changed country music. Isn’t THAT a positive we should salute instead of petty name calling regarding his health which again IS NONE OF MY OR ANYONE ELSE’S BUSINESS. Thanks for hearing me out.Put a cd of Randy’s on and CELEBRATE what he left us. If he NEVER SINGS another note he stands pretty damn tall in this dj’s book. Dan McPhail Burton MI
810-624-2436