Randy Travis & Wife Mary Address His Aphasia

It was eight years ago this summer that country music legend and Hall of Famer Randy Travis suffered a series of catastrophic health issues the ultimately took one of the greatest voices ever in country music away from us. After suffering viral cardiomyopathy and flat lining, Randy Travis was revived, but only to remain in a coma, and suffer a severe stroke. Since Travis was incapacitated at the time, they didn’t know until days later he’d suffered the stroke, losing precious time to attempt to reverse or mitigate the effects.
Spending a total of 5 1/2 months in the hospital—including needing to have a portion of his skull removed to alleviate swelling—Randy Travis was finally able to begin rehabilitation. But a condition called Aphasia, which affects many stroke sufferers, meant Randy’s speech was significantly challenged. In a new interview as part of a fundraiser for the Houston Aphasia Recovery Center, Randy Travis and his wife Mary sat for one of the most detailed discussions about Randy’s experience and condition yet.
“When we went to the first rehab hospital was when we first heard Aphasia—[a] term that people are not familiar with until they have to cross that road,” says Mary Travis. “They’re not familiar with it until it touches someone they know and love. 85% of people in American don’t know what Aphasia is or even heard of it—that being interesting because it’s more common that Parkinson’s, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, yet people aren’t familiar with it. There’s 800,000 strokes a year, and up to a third to 40 percent of those people are left with the Aphasia.”
They were told initially that after six months there would be no new progress for Randy to regain his speech, but as Mary explains, “We’re eight years out now. It will be eight years in July. And there’s still everyday a new word, or two words put together. Those are the exciting things.”
The progress for Randy Travis has also included regaining the ability to sing “Amazing Grace,” which he performed at his induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. Interestingly, some stroke victims such as Travis are able to regain their singing abilities to a greater degree than regular speech since these two activities are controlled by different parts of the brain.
“The part that was affected, that was the dictation, the proper enunciation, and then the thought process,” Mary Travis says. “But it’s not the soul.”
Mary Travis also says there’s another important therapy for Randy.
“Environment and stimulation. As far as just going out and living your life, that’s when things start coming back to you. That’s when words start showing up, because the best therapy is living. The best therapy is getting out there and doing what you enjoy. Music.”
That is one of the reasons Randy Travis continues to randomly appear at the performances of artists near his home in Tioga, TX. He appeared in Ardmore, Oklahoma for a Cody Jinks show in January of 2019, and a couple of months ago made the trek to Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth for a Josh Abbott Band show.
“He loves the music,” says Marty Travis. “We go see people that are playing close by, or wherever we’re passing through. Any time we can hear music, there’s an extra skip in the heart. Of course he loved singing and playing the music, and always will. We love now to go hear other people play music, because the music is his soul. That’s what he gave to the world. And now the world likes to give it back to him.”
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The Randy and Mary Travis interview begins at about the 10:10 mark in the video below.
April 10, 2021 @ 9:48 am
This tears me up
I hope he’s happy and comfortable.
April 11, 2021 @ 5:07 am
My son has aphasia as well and has been depressed for many years over it. He had a stroke at 19 years old due to a blood clot. I have hope seeing things like this that someday he could find his purpose again. He’s about to turn 30 and I pray daily that God send him hope and people and opportunities to live life again.
April 11, 2021 @ 8:23 am
I have suffered from 3 minor strokes and after speaking with a family member she suggested I start singing to regain control of my slurred speech. SHE WAS RIGHT! Though I can’t carry a turn in a bucket I sit in our truck sometimes and sing along to the radio or cd’s…. Greatly improved I still stumble from time to time and some parts of my memory are just gone. But Singing HAS enabled me to gain some control back with my speech ❤ Sing On Randy and the rest WILL come back gradually. We love you and continue to lift you up in our prayers!! Hang in there!
April 11, 2021 @ 6:44 pm
God bless you Randy Travis and get better very soonexcellent music and seeing excellent music God bless you and your family forever and ever amen from Marion. Osterhoudt. Ansonia Connecticut 06401
April 11, 2021 @ 12:57 pm
You have always been my favorite since the first time I heard you. You have so many songs that I love. When my momma and I would be out driving, I use to quiz her as to who was on the radio singing. Your voice was the only one that she ever got right on the first guess. Thank you for being such an inspiration in my life. You are the BEST.
April 11, 2021 @ 10:44 pm
Prayers are going out to you & your son right now!!
April 13, 2021 @ 7:56 pm
My name is Garth I grew up listening to Randy Travis music. I loved his music from the first time I listened to it.
His music has always warmed my heart and soul. I will always listen to and enjoy his wonderful music thank you for the gift you have given the world. You are a very talented and special man.
I am grateful to have heard your wonderful voice and music.
December 14, 2021 @ 8:20 pm
This rely touched me Sheila. My hearts go out to both of you. Could you reach out to old, really good friends of his and reintroduce? I think at 30, social interaction is crucial to healthy brain formation. He may not like it at 1st but in time, I know he would thank you. Best of luck and prayers coming your way!!!
April 13, 2021 @ 9:29 am
My and I have been married for 52 years, and our favorite song is For Ever and Every Amen by Randy Travis! We wish him nothing but the best with all our hearts ????. God Bless and be safe. And you will be in our prayers!
April 14, 2021 @ 4:47 am
Randy,
You are my favorite country singer of all time! I love your music! I love driving thru your hometown of Marshville and seeing your mural. I am blessed to live in Wingate, NC nextdoor to Marshville! So blessed to have a voice like yours from our little town!
April 20, 2021 @ 1:00 am
I have this. It is a very confusing situation to be in especially when it co.ea to expressing yourself my broca area is damaged so I completely connect with his family and more so him. I wish him well and still to this day play his music nearly every single day his voice has always will been calming and inspirational in many many ways ???? Thanks Mr Travis
April 22, 2021 @ 6:52 am
Mr.Travis and Mary, thank you both so very much for your loving personal testimony. Also, I would like to thank you both from the bottom of my heart for bringing aphasia to the public attention. We are praying ???????? for Randy’s continued success in recovery from this silent ordeal. We are forever praying for your continued strength, courage, tenacity Ms.Many.????????????????????????????????????????????✝️✡️????❣️❣️
October 14, 2021 @ 3:50 pm
Randy we love you so much!!
Our hearts go out to you through your difficult trials!
Thank you and your beautiful wife for the moving testimony and acceptance speech last night!! What love and devotion!!! And beautiful faith in Our blessed Lord!!!
Such grace and mutual love you both have!
So glad we could view the progress your making!!!
And the show!!!
August 24, 2022 @ 3:16 pm
Randy Travis your song has made me so much over the years of my life I will miss you forever and I love all the time you ever get in the whole tire life and everyone of them love you
April 10, 2021 @ 10:13 am
You can definitely see Randy come back to life when he hears music, traditional country music in particular. 2 videos that stand out are him listening to Tom Buller and Jon Bowlin.
April 11, 2021 @ 10:17 am
We are thankful that Randy lived. He is in our hearts and prayers. The Lord is with him and there is no way for us to know how well he will heal. We may be surprised by Randy in all ways in the future.
April 10, 2021 @ 12:26 pm
It’s so country for Randy to show up in person to support the music and its people. If he can do it, we all can.
April 10, 2021 @ 3:02 pm
Randy Travis is one of the best
April 10, 2021 @ 3:20 pm
Randy I just want to say thank You for he many years of wonderful music that you gave me. There has never been a voice that comes close to yours. Thank You from the bottom of my heart. Thank You XO????????????????????
April 10, 2021 @ 5:32 pm
Oh my God I was unaware of this is often wondered what happened to you what a wonderful voice the Lost I was pretty pissed but I do hope you get
April 10, 2021 @ 5:11 pm
Music is in Randy’s soul. Loved his sound since the beginning, and still listen to his music. We are blessed to still have him with us. I truly believe that GOD has special plans for Randy. We all are with him for the long haul.
April 10, 2021 @ 5:33 pm
Randy, we will love your music, Forever and Ever, that’s for sure.
April 10, 2021 @ 6:04 pm
I know how they feel. My wife was diagnosed with aphasia 3 years ago due to her speech center not working correctly. Not a stroke. For those moments where a 2 or 3 work sentence comes out are a surprise and a blessing. It’s the biggest struggle we will ever have. Good luck to the Travis family.
April 11, 2021 @ 7:41 pm
Randy you are a wonderful singer. I’ve followed you for many years. I pray for you and your family. God is there and he is taken care of you, always. Put your heart and trust there
April 10, 2021 @ 5:54 pm
Randy, Glad I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. My life was given to Christ my Savior at age 12. I also started having petit mal seizures and was put on Dilantin, an anticonvulsant. I hated taking it everyday. When I told doctor about a sharp pain through my head, I had another MRI and it showed a tumor in left temporal lobe of my brain.. After brain surgery, I had a grade 2 cancerous tumor taken out. Lots of prayer said for me. I came out of surgery doing good. Praised God for taking me through!
April 10, 2021 @ 6:14 pm
????????I didn’t know this was about you????
April 10, 2021 @ 7:31 pm
‘Doctor Jesus’ is one of the most powerful Gospel songs ever recorded. You and the spaghetti monster person, NJ will have to meet this Jesus face to face…Get ready!
April 12, 2021 @ 9:21 am
No
April 10, 2021 @ 6:19 pm
All hail the flying spaghetti monster! Pastafarians rejoice!
April 10, 2021 @ 6:12 pm
We all miss you randy, you are one of the best singers of all time if not the best. We all love you
April 10, 2021 @ 6:35 pm
I have always admired and love Randy Travis and his music…he’s a legend! Mary you are the luckiest woman on earth to be married to the most wonderful man that ever lived! I wish you both the very best! May God Bless you and your family always!
Forever a fan
Diana LaCroix
April 10, 2021 @ 6:53 pm
Welcome back Randy. A long journey you have made and we all will be with you during your continued recovery. Thank you so much for all the music you have made, I still listen with all my heart and soul. May the lord be with, always.
April 10, 2021 @ 6:57 pm
Randy Travis said it best…”I’m gonna love you forever…forever and ever,aaaaaaaamen.”
April 10, 2021 @ 7:41 pm
“Interestingly, some stroke victims such as Travis are able to regain their singing abilities to a greater degree than regular speech…”
That may be true of some stroke victims, but it does not appear to be the case with Randy.
Certainly, Mel Tillis could always sing smoothly, even when he had a birch of a time getting the words out when speaking.
April 10, 2021 @ 7:56 pm
Really sucks seeing him in this condition.
Definitely somewhere close to the top when it comes to best voices ever .
April 10, 2021 @ 8:35 pm
I shared this on my Facebook page with what randy and his music has meant to me on a personal level. THE LINE “LIKE A OLD HALOOO, MAKES MY INSIDES JUMP. I NEVER COULD AFFORD TO GO TO A CONCERT, OR MEET HIM, BUT MR. AND MRS. TRAVIS FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD STORIES ON I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR YOUR LIFE AND NOW FOR 15 OR SO YALLS LIFE. ???? THIS WORLD AND HEAVEN ARE AND WILL BE BETTER PLACES BECAUSE OF MR.TRAVIS HIS LIFE STORY AND HIS HEART OF MUSIC. MY FATHER LEWIS LEE FROM LITTLE ROCK ARKANSAS WOULDVE MADE IT HAD HE HAD A HELPING HAND OUT OF HARD KNOX LIFE AND INTO USING HIS GIFT. PRAYERS ALWAYS AND FOREVER. KATHY BOLEY ZOOM OR MESSENGER CALL ME SOME DAY PRIVATE NO PUBLICITY, AND A INVITE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMLY TO OZARKS IN ARKANSAS TO CAMP HUNT RIDE ATV ETC. PLENTY OF ROOM TO BE ALONE PRIVATE OUTDOORS WALK JUST ENJOY SOME PLACE DIFFERENT.
April 10, 2021 @ 8:58 pm
OMG OMG MY LIFEE ISS FOR YOU RANDY YOURR’R’R’ BEST SINGERRRR AND BEST PERSON WHO EVER LIVVVVED JESUS CRISST IS MY PERSONEL SAVOIRE NND RANDY U R CANONONIZED SAINT OF KATHOLIC ORTHODOCS AND LUTHRAN CHURCHES EVVEN B4 DTH I KNW THATS GAINST RULZ HAHALOL HAHALOLLLLLLL BUT ID DONT CAREE SOMDAY YOU WILL BE WTH HNK ANDDD LEFTY IN HEAVEN GD BLESS BYEBYEEEE.
April 11, 2021 @ 7:46 pm
May God help you
April 10, 2021 @ 10:59 pm
Randy have enjoyed your music from the beginning.
April 10, 2021 @ 11:30 pm
Music has such a healing essence to it, which is so often taken for granted. I love listening to songbirds showering the heavens with their ethereal sonnets, so early in the morning. It is so uplifting & spiritual to be part of their world. To one Carolina boy to another, enjoy those moments. You’ve graced us for so long with your inimitable baritone pipes. Let God’s creatures take over & bless you & your family.
April 11, 2021 @ 1:44 am
I always found Mr Travis’ work to be of a higher educated, more intelligent than most of his contemporaries type of an art form. Upon reading the comments section I find it’s completely opposite for his fan base.
April 11, 2021 @ 7:48 am
Folks, this article for some reason is going viral via Google. It’s being featured on a home page or something, so you’re going to get a mix of people in this comments section that are not regular Saving Country Music readers, who are likely going to be older, and may not necessarily be savvy at leaving internet comments. I understand that some of these comments are coming across as weird. But let’s try to be a little respectful to these visitors. They’re here because they’re Randy Travis fans.
April 11, 2021 @ 3:24 pm
It might be a good idea to edit the article to reflect this? This comment section can sometimes be snarky and it might be good for the regulars to understand why some older, more fervently christian, and definitely very different commenters are in here today.
April 11, 2021 @ 6:01 pm
It’s a shame we have to remind people to demonstrate consideration. I’ve always thought of country music fans as intelligent, open minded and kind. Then again, I’ve been a country music fan since 1990 and my impression was developed during the 90s. Maybe it needs updating.
My first trip to the record store after getting into country music included Randy’s High Lonesome. Storms of Life is still on regular rotation in my house.
April 11, 2021 @ 7:07 pm
My comment was a satire on the other comments. I have an odd sense of humor, I know. I’m a regular reader of the site.
April 11, 2021 @ 3:10 am
All of Randy Travis’ music takes me back and I remember my Sweet Mama playing the single 45 records over and over and over again so she could write down every word of the songs. I still to this day can sing any of them by heart ❤. Love me some Deeper than The Holler !!! “
April 11, 2021 @ 5:16 am
Liked Randy Travis until I read his book. He is arrogant, smug and immoral. He definitely is not in my list if favorites.
April 11, 2021 @ 9:48 am
Nobody has to have you in mind when it comes to how they conduct themselves.
I’m gonna take a guess and say you believe celebs should be responsible for how kids act
April 11, 2021 @ 7:55 pm
The man is in need of ????. Why you got to come on here and be like that? Nothing else in life for you? Vicky in Tennessee
April 11, 2021 @ 5:17 am
Missing you please heal soon
April 11, 2021 @ 5:55 am
Thank you for all the great music and may God be with you in your recovery. Your music holds a special spot in my heart and I will pray for you and your family .
April 11, 2021 @ 5:57 am
I always loved the great song ” look heart no hands “. Stay strong Randy!!
April 11, 2021 @ 6:49 am
I saw you in concert Randy, in the mid 80’s. You came to Joplin, MO, with Aaron Tippin. I remember a couple of girls from the crowd screaming “We love you Randy!” And then in the most humble voice he said “Awww, I love you too.” Travis is a true class act.
April 11, 2021 @ 8:38 am
Mary’s words are right on target!
I have aphasia and it as if the words came out of my mouth . . . . “Right on, Girl!”
April 11, 2021 @ 8:57 am
I have always loved Randy’s music. There is no mistaking that wonderful voice. God Bless you,Randy + Mary. This story was heartbreaking, yet a tribute to Randy’s strength + determination, plus Mary’s love. I had a TBI in 1997 and I’m left with a lot of disabilities totally different from aphasia, but I have a friend who had a head injury way back and all of a sudden, he is experiencing a lot of these kind of symptoms. I (hopefully) can forward this information on HARC to his wife. Thank you so much for Randy’s brave story~GOD BLESS YOU BOTH
April 11, 2021 @ 9:27 am
There are two typos in the first two paragraphs. Get an editor.
April 11, 2021 @ 9:45 am
Hello Randy and Mary,
I just want to you know that one of the highlights of my life happened around 1991. I got a call that Randy had just recorded one of my songs. The long title is “I Still Think About Her Like She Was Good Whiskey (And I Was A Hard Drinkin’ Man” co-written with Glenn Ray.) Then, the big disappointment came when my song did not make the album. But, a friend of mine searching a dumpster on Music Row found a tape. He listened to it, knew my song, and gave the tape to me. I still have it. It is still very painful because Randy sang my song so well. I cherish that cut. Thought this note might help brighten your day. I’ve had other major cuts but Randy’s is a true treasure. Hope you two share a long and loving life.
April 11, 2021 @ 11:16 am
I have always grew up sitting in front of the stereo at 16 yrs old. Learning his songs and singing each and every one of them over and over playing numerous times in Pascagoula, Gautier Mullet festival Singing his Songs, it’s a weird thing being on stage watching each and every person walking up towards you as you are performing someone’s music, because I Really do sound and actually even talk just like you Randy Travis.
Thank you for everything and all the love you Share
Thanks
God Bless ????????❣️
Darrell j.McQueen
Pascagoula, Miss.
April 11, 2021 @ 11:20 am
I’m Darrell McQueen I am So sorry I forgeot to Say
Hello Randy ???? and Mary Travis
April 11, 2021 @ 9:55 pm
Everyone has highs and lows. Si leys support them now when needed i used to listen to old country thanks.forgive n forget. His issues people just be kinder in the world ????
April 12, 2021 @ 11:03 pm
I think maybe it hat lady that became judgemental fromrom reading his ???????? k might become interested in what Gofs book says about that type of judgment god forgive you that all I’m saying about that!
April 14, 2021 @ 6:46 am
Randy did a bad thing when in the throes of an alcoholic binge episode. He wished horrific things on the police officers attempting to restrain him in public nudity and DUI. his gift is in his voice , his ability to write music and the gift of salvation. There are many lessons to be learned from this testimony ..I pray that others can learn from him as we pray for his recovery
April 20, 2021 @ 11:52 am
Randy, you are a gift to so any people. Always remember that.
May 3, 2021 @ 5:38 pm
Faith, Hope, and Love are our greatest gifts Our relationship with the Giver of all gifts enforces all these great gifts. Have faith in God and all things are possible. Divine restoration.
August 2, 2021 @ 3:08 pm
My prayers are with you Mr Travis.???? There is always hope,keep your faith and keep singing,Be blest.
August 7, 2021 @ 12:53 pm
I wish you well forever..there has always been a place in my heart ❤ for Randy Spence the beginning. I love his voice and will always have a love so deep for him that will not fade away. All my love ???? and great happiness I send to you. God loves you and so do I. Have a blessed life. Love Dorothy.
September 30, 2021 @ 4:03 am
I had no idea about what aphasia even was, so thanks for bringing this to our attention. God bless you Randy Travis and carry-on with your music. You and George have always been my favorite!
October 24, 2021 @ 12:51 pm
Mary I admire you and your great love for Randy. It is amazing. I love to hear Randy sing. I pray for God to be with you on this journey. I’ve learned alot by reading this info on strokes and I hope to use it to help my Son. God bless you both. So glad you were able to keep him alive. God is in control. Love from Georgia.
November 8, 2021 @ 12:20 pm
Mr and Mrs Travis-Randy and Mary-I am deeply moved and thankful for the story of your lives! My wife and I currently live in San Antonio, but in the next 2-3 years we will relocate to (hopefully) North Dallas area, to be near our kids and grandkids. Please email me, I would like to continue our lives, and learn from you!
December 12, 2021 @ 12:46 am
Dear Travis family:
Please stay brave and persistent.
As a stroke victim myself, I know first-hand that improvement is possible even years afterwards.
Patience and persistence… and the grace of God.
Hang in there!
Scott
Fort Worth
December 28, 2021 @ 5:22 pm
Both of my parents suffered strokes, so I am well aware of the effect it has on speech. I will say my mothers favourite singer was you Randy, I purchased every cassette tape sung by you and she loved them all. Keep up the amazing work things will get easier with time. Love you and your music. Would love to hear you sing once again!
March 25, 2022 @ 9:48 am
[Drumming Therapy] His wife speaks about the lack of “music therapy” in the rehab process post stroke & brain injury. I suffered a brain injury in 1992 resulting in hydrocephalus, that left me with a brain shunt and 12 surgeries. After after playing piano & vocals again, and learning guitar, I became involved in “drumming” or drum circles in 2004, and I dramatically changed my rehab! I also became a neuroscientist and pioneered many of my methods, have put on many workshops & events, and lectured on this over the years. I know “drumming therapy” would help Randy. I am a big fan of Randy’s music too, and sing & play guitar. Because of memory problems, I still rely on sheet music as back up – though not in my percussion & drumming play. That comes from a different part of the brain… and from the body or kinesthetic intelligence. Please look me up. I live in California, but am wanting to move (away) to Florida. God Bless, Stephen Dolle
May 8, 2022 @ 11:38 am
Hi Randy, I Always enjoyed your music but I think my favorite is “Pray for the fish”. Listen you trust the Lord Jesus and he help you through this. Don’t ever listen to Satan who says it’s over. Listen you have been called to be the singer you are so give your best every song you sing. Give all to Jesus and he will bless you beyond your dreams.
May 15, 2022 @ 5:11 am
Randy I have always loved and sang your music and I always will I am just now finding out that you have this but I pray that you get thru this I will always love your music
December 4, 2022 @ 7:57 pm
Randy you will always be my king when it comes to music. I love your songs and your passion. You are definitely a legend. I hope and pray you get well soon
January 24, 2023 @ 6:50 pm
Your voice is irreplaceable, and you are certainly a giant among country singers. I continue to listen to your songs all of the time … I had the chance to see you once in concert, and it was wonderful. I pray for your health and that of your devoted wife, Mary.
….forever and ever, amen
April 20, 2023 @ 2:41 pm
The Lord truly answered our prayers when you gradually improved from such an ordeal. I’ve only been to two concerts in my life, Neil Diamond and yours (you performed at the Black Bear Casino near Cloquet, MN. Mom and I thoroughly enjoyed your concert and I bought one of your CD’s that night (I own several of your CDs). I’m so grateful we had that opportunity here in rural Minnesota ….. you were awesome!!!! I look forward to the day when you’re able to be that performer and perhaps will have new music to commemorate your journey in life. My prayers to both Mary and yourself for a successful recovery !!!!
May 11, 2023 @ 5:50 pm
I had a stroke when I had brain surgery to remove a piece from my left temporal lobe to heal me of epilepsy. My surgeon said that they don’t know when I had the stroke…before during or after my temporal resection surgery. But it affected my left side. 21 years ago. 7-1-2002. Certainly not as bad as you, Randy. My stuttering is from my Dad, but it is soooo much worse now. And I live you and your singing. God bless you and especially God bless Mary for staying with you through thick and thin! You both stayed VERY strong!!