10 years after a massive stroke, Randy Travis shares his inspiring story
In 1986, Randy Travis became a country music superstar overnight with the release of his debut album, Storms of Life. Then, 27 years later, Randy faced a “storm of life” he could never have imagined when he suffered a near-fatal stroke. My Hometown Health recently spoke to Randy and his wife Mary Davis to let the seven-time Grammy winner share his heartfelt story of perseverance and hope.
The stroke occurred in July 2013. Were there any warning signs before?
Randy: No, the stroke came out of the blue. There is no history of heart disease in my family, and two days before my stroke, I felt perfectly healthy. Then it all went downhill.
What happened?
Randy: I had worked out earlier in the day and was helping to pack our tour bus for a trip to Canada. I told Mary I wasn’t breathing well, and we went to the ER just to be safe. I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia and sent home with a nebulizer and some antibiotics. I couldn’t sleep and could hardly breathe at all. We went back to the ER, and they told me I had double pneumonia. Then I really took a turn for the worst. I was at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Dallas when I flatlined. It took them two and a half minutes to get me back. I was put on life support and was in coma for three days. That’s when they noticed I had suffered a stroke.
What were your options?
Mary: The doctors told me that Randy would die if we did nothing. But if they did operate, there was only a one percent chance he would survive. Seven different things would have to go perfectly during the three-hour surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. However, one percent is better than zero percent, and Randy made it! He had so many opportunities to head up to heaven, but he just kept fighting. I think Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys said it best: “The devil don’t want him and God’s not ready for him.”
What was the prognosis after the surgery?
Mary: When we left the hospital after six months, the doctors said Randy would be in and out of hospitals the rest of life and probably be bedridden. But Randy didn’t believe it and neither did I. For two and a half years, Randy did stroke rehab five hours a day. During that time, and even today, I have always been amazed at the positive attitude Randy has about everything—ever after all he’s gone through.
Did doctors ever figure out what caused the initial breathing problems?
Mary: They think it was a case of viral cardiomyopathy, an infection that can shut down the heart and fill up the lungs in just 48 hours. Dr. Michael Mack said he thought Randy might have been exposed to a mold or spore about five weeks earlier when he was filming at an old feed and seed store in Louisiana. Four or five weeks is the time it takes for the mold or spur to incubate and become a virus.
What kind of support have you received from your fans and colleagues?
Randy: A lot! My fans have been incredible. I’ve received boxes and boxes of cards and letters. It’s been almost 10 years since the stroke, and we still receive letters where people express their love and support and tell us how much my music has meant to them.
And now some people have crowned you the King of TikTok!
Randy: We got the idea from Zach Farnum (Randy’s publicist). When he mentioned it, we didn’t even know what TikTok was. We thought it had something to do with a grandfather clock. But then it took off like a rocket.
What does the future hold?
Randy: Well, I’ve found that the best therapy is doing the things that I love to do. So, I’m still on the road touring and going horseback riding. I’m just doing it a little differently now.
What have the last 10 years taught you?
Randy: Never give up hope. If the medical records say something will happen, it doesn’t mean it will. The healing power of the human body is amazing.