Randy Travis Remains in Critical Condition in a Texas Hospital

Country singer Randy Travis is in critical condition at a hospital in Texas, according to his publicist.

The 54-year-old, six-time Grammy winner is suffering from complications of recently acquired viral cardiomyopathy and was admitted Sunday.

Travis' publicist released this statement Tuesday:

Contrary to reports, Randy Travis has not undergone heart surgery.  Travis is being treated for viral cardiomyopathy.  Travis was admitted into a Texas hospital on Sunday and underwent placement of an IMPELLA peripheral left ventricular assist device for stabilization prior to transferring hospitals.

The Grammy winner remains in critical condition.

"We are very thankful to the fans for their love and support during this time," says Randy Travis. 

Cards and well wishes can be sent to:
Randy Travis
266 Blanks Road
Tioga, Texas 76271

Movie producer Justin Lowe told NBC 5 that Travis’ tour bus is parked across from Baylor Heart Hospital in Plano and confirms Travis had surgery there. 

Lowe and so many others are now pulling for Travis’s recovery.

“He’s a great guy, awesome guy, and great actor,” said Lowe, who added that he's been working on shooting a country-themed movie with the legendary singer. “He’s the greatest country singer, ever. We hope he gets well soon.” 

Travis may have a tough health battle ahead. Travis' sister-in-law, Teresa Traywick told People Magazine, "Our prayers are going out to him because my husband just had a heart attack last year, so it is in their family."

Traywick went on to say, "Their mother passed away at an early age with her heart, so it is like these boys are following right in their footsteps."

Fellow singers are tweeting well wishes. 

And Plano native Lance Armstrong added:

Travis was in the middle of a tour. While he remains hospitalized, his tour is on hold.

What is Cardiomyopathy?

"Cardiomyopathy is the term for any disease of the heart muscle that interferes with the heart’s ability to pump blood with sufficient force," according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Travis' condition, which is viral, was caused by an infection in the heart.

Dr. Mark Thompson, a cardiologist at Methodist Dallas, said viral cardiomyopathy is a serious condition. Cardiomyopathy is "a disease that leads to the heart becoming dilated, becoming weak and becoming ineffective at pumping blood through the body," he said.

Forms of treatment include a transplant or a device that helps the heart function.

"A lot of times, cardiomyopathy is not something you can easily recover from," Thompson said.

Travis' Tough Times and Turnaround

The illness is a continuation of a tough run for the "Three Wooden Crosses" singer after a handful of recent high-profile appearances, including a performance during the Country Music Association Festival's nightly concert series.

Travis had also performed at the memorial service for slain ex-Navy SEAL Chris Kyle in February.

Travis pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in January following his arrest last year when he was found naked after crashing his Pontiac Trans Am.

Travis was sentenced to two years of probation, fined $2,000 and given a 180-day suspended jail sentence. He was required to spend at least 30 days at an alcohol treatment facility and complete 100 hours of community service. 

In August 2012, he was cited after a dustup at a church in the parking lot of Prestonwood Baptist Church.

In November, Travis said through his attorney that he had put together a personal program to get sober. He had also returned to the recording studio.

"He's had a tremendous impact on country music and continues to have an impact on the people he's influenced," said Chris Huff, a KSCS-FM DJ.

NBC 5's Kendra Lyn and Ray Villeda contributed to this report.

Contact Us