What happened to country singer Randy Travis?

COUNTRY singer Randy Travis has been in the music scene since 1978 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016.

Most recently, he was presented with CMT’s 2021 Artist of a Lifetime Award.

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What happened to country singer Randy Travis?

On October 13, 2021, Randy Travis was presented with CMT’s 2021 Artist of a Lifetime Award.

Garth Brooks, country music legend, presented him with the award, praising Travis for his service to country music over the years.

“I stand here tonight as one of the benefactors of this man’s contributions to country music. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Randy Travis single handedly saved country music.

“Even though it happened in the 80s… I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for Randy Travis. I don’t think any of us would be,” said Brooks in his speech Wednesday night.

“This is totally my opinion, and it doesn’t have to be yours, but every artist in country music that takes the stage over the next 100 years should bow to this man and thank him for his contributions to country music.

“I love him. Artists like this guy only come along once in a lifetime. I know if you’re like me, you pray that another Randy Travis shows up every day.”

Born May 4, 1959, Travis, 62, is known as an American country music and gospel music singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor.

Despite a successful music career, Travis has not released any new albums since 2014 partially due to serious health complications he has suffered from over the years.

The country singer famously suffered a massive stroke in 2013 after struggling from congestive heart failure.

He spent most of his time in Tennessee and Texas hospitals and underwent two brain surgeries as a result.

Travis also suffered from pneumonia on three separate occasions and was intubated. 

By November 2014 he recovered slightly and was able to walk short distances and play guitar.

Did Randy Travis pass away?

On September 30, 2021, Travis started trending on Twitter after Good Morning America’s Michael Strahan accidentally said RIP when referring to him on the show.

After the morning show played a Travis song, Strahan said “Randy Travis may he rest in peace.”

Despite his remark, Travis is alive and well.

Following Strahan’s comment, fans took to Twitter to make sure that the record is set straight.

One fan said: “@michaelstrahan Hey Stra…Randy Travis isn’t dead, Yet you said Rest In Peace! Uh oh.”

Other added: “Hey. @michaelstrahan@GMA Randy Travis is NOT dead.”

At this time, neither Strahan or GMA have commented on the slip.

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Does Randy Travis still play music?

Randy Travis recently announced he will be re-releasing his 1989 Christmas album, An Old Time Christmas, for the 2021 holiday season.

The album will feature three previously unreleased tracks, entitled Little Toy Trains, There’s a New Kid in Town and White Christmas.

He will also be making an appearance to celebrate his 35th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry with an Opry performance on December 11, 2021.

The show will include Jon Pardi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carly Pearce, Don Schlitz as well as more to-be-announced artists.

In 2016, Travis made a comeback in music and performed Amazing Grace at the Country Music Hall of Fame and then reappeared on stage with Michael Ray during a cover performance of Forever And Ever Amen.

In September 2019 he then returned to touring with James Dupré in a 12-city production, however, Travis was only able to do three of the shows after there were unexpected production and technical problems.

He released a new song in 2020 titled Fools Love Affair, which marked his first song since suffering the stroke. 

According to Country Daily, Travis still suffers from aphasia – a difficulty with language or speech – but his wife, Mary Travis, says that he still sometimes sings.

Doctors noted that his distinct baritone was untouched by his medical issues.

Travis first topped the US Country charts in 1986 with On The Other Hand.

Who is Randy Travis married to?

The singer married Mary Travis in March 2015 amid his health complications. 

He was previously in a 19-year marriage with Elizabeth Hatcher, who he divorced in 2010.

According to Today, Mary stood beside Travis during his hospital stay, reportedly asking the doctors to keep him on life support.

Mary said: “Even in his state, his semi-coma state, he squeezed my hand and he laid there and I just saw this tear that fell and it was one tear at a time… I just went back to the doctors and I said, ‘We’re fighting this.’”