Country legend Randy Travis critically ill in hospital after suffering stroke
The 54-year-old suffered a stroke while being treated for congestive heart failure
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Country Singer Randy Travis is in a critical condition after suffering a stroke in hospital, his publicist has said.
The 54-year-old singer suffered a stroke while being treated for congestive heart failure in hospital in Texas.
Travis’ spokesman Kirt Webster said the singer underwent surgery on Wednesday night to relieve pressure on his brain, but was still in a critical condition.
Webster said his illness was related to his “recently acquired viral cardiomyopathy”, a virus that attacks the heart causing the heart beat to slower.
He said: “His family and friends here with him at the hospital request your prayers and support. We will have updates as they become available.”
The country singer was initially hospitalised on Sunday with a presumptive cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure, according to his consultant Dr William Gray.
He was then transferred to a heart hospital in Texas to receive more specialist care, in which doctors implanted a device in his heart to help blood flow.
The singer has recently been on the road, performing in Detroit and Chicago at the end of last month. Webster said Travis appeared well during business meetings on Friday and Saturday, but the illness “hit him” on Sunday.
The singer underwent a difficult year in 2012 after being arrested for assault and driving while intoxicated, which earned him probation.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
As one of country music's top-selling artists, Travis has won seven Grammys, 10 Academy of Country Music awards and 10 American Music Award statuettes.
His best-known songs include “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Diggin' Up Bones” and “Deeper Than the Holler.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments