NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 08: Kenny Rogers (right) greets Randy Travis (left) and Mary Davis (center) during 1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time: A Heroes & Friends Tribute to Randy Travis at Bridgestone Arena on February 8, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Outback Concerts) *** Local Caption *** Kenny Rogers;Randy Travis;Mary Davis
It’s been a long road of recovery for country star Randy Travis who suffered a stroke that nearly took his life while being treated for heart failure caused by a viral infection on July 10, 2013.
Since his emergence onto the country music scene in 1985, Travis has recorded 20 studio albums, sold over 25 million records, charted more than 50 singles, earned 22 number-one hits, 6 number-one albums, 6 GRAMMY Awards, 6 CMA Awards, 9 ACM Awards, 10 AMA Awards, 8 Dove Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. His is a career that by anyone’s standards has been an enduring successful one that few people are able to accomplish filled with music that is as timeless, fresh, and relevant as the day it first came out. His voice is incomparable. It is one that will always stand out among the country music legends and his music will never be forgotten.
On February 8th, many of Nashville’s country music community came together to play to a sold out crowd at Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville to honor Randy Travis and the significant impact that he has had on country music. Legendary and up-and-coming artists alike shared their admiration for Travis and the influence he had on their own music during what was a very special night of tribute. They came together in song as a show of support for a true legend that has contributed so much to country music over his long and illustrious career.
It was a delight to watch the sheer joy and smile that spread across Randy Travis’ face as he and his wife, Mary, looked on from side stage as the night progressed finally concluding as Travis sang “Amazing Grace” joined by his many friends and supporters on stage in the finale, then followed by “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”.
I do hope that he felt the love and support that was flowing out to him that evening as so many came to pay tribute and offer their support. He has made miraculous strides to where he is today, but it has been difficult and the road long that he continues on.
In a recent interview with The Tennessean, Travis described himself as “damaged” when he was asked if he is happy, which I can relate to. I certainly have not been through the same difficulties of recovering from a stroke and don’t pretend to fully understand what it has been like for him in his recovery process. I only know that I wish him well in his recovery process. I can relate on some level. Nearly 8 years ago, I sat in my neuroligist’s office as he diagnosed me with an incurable, debilitating disease that I was told would probably result in me being confined to a wheelchair within 5 years. He wanted to prepare me as he had never seen the onset of my disease so aggressive in all of his patients. I too referred to myself as “damaged” then. I was no longer me. Suddenly, I had a body that was fighting against me with an uncertain future that seemed without hope at that time. I had lost complete use of my left hand for a few months and was struggling to stand without falling. I came back from it through sheer determination regaining that use of my hand and I AM still walking without assistance. Doctor’s don’t know everything. With the loving support that Travis has from his wife, Mary, and numerous friends, I have no doubt that he can fully recover from this in time.
My message to Randy Travis: Keep fighting the good fight, Randy. When things seem hopeless or just too much, rely on your faith and your loved ones. Don’t give up hope. Allow others like your wife and friends who love you to give you strength on those days you need it most. I know how hard and hopeless it can feel to battle your own body (although, not to the same extent), but you have already made such progress and overcome many odds. You are an inspiration to others through your determination to come back from the devastating stroke. Your music moves people and you’ve made an incredible lasting impact on country music. You will sing again like you sang before, I have no doubts. Just believe and replace that word “damaged” with “survivor” and “fighter”, because that is what you are. It is the music that has gotten me through my own hard times and challenges. There is incredible healing power in it. Your music & others has helped to heal me and get me through my lowest points, and it is what will see you through along with faith.
As a result of Randy’s experience, he and his wife, Mary, have created the Randy Travis Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides support for victims of strokes and cardiovascular diseases as well as arts and entertainment education for at-risk children. For more information, visit www.randytravisfoundation.org.
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