By Michaela Gordoni
When Randy Travis went to the hospital in 2013, no one had any idea he would be treated for a stroke.
“Obviously, during the stroke, that was probably the closest life or death, if you will, situation,” his wife, Mary Travis, told Fox News Digital. “We were there for five and a half months. We left home one morning thinking we were just going to go to the critical care and get something for congestion that he had, and we didn’t walk back in the house for five and a half months.”
Travis had congestive heart failure with viral cardiomyopathy. A blood clot formed in his heart, which caused the stroke. Since then, he’s had partial paralysis that has affected his speech, voice and movement.
When he was in the hospital, he spoke with the Lord constantly.
Mary says the incident strengthened their relationship.
“There was never any question that we were gonna go in any other direction. It concreted it, is what it did. I knew that I was put in his life and he was put [in] my life right where we were, how we were,” she said.
Related: ‘Magical Moment’: Randy Travis Announces First Single Since 2013 Stroke
“Everything was in a plan, and it strengthened it because I needed him more than anything, and he needed me more than anything. And you know what? That was a great place to be for both of us,” she explained.
The experience has changed her perspective.
She urges others not to “take for granted the people closest to them.” Mary continued, “I think that’s what we’ve learned is just embrace every single one. I tell people, I say, put the phone down, turn the TV off, go out to the country, sit by a stream, eat peaches, enjoy life, and thank God for more life.”
A celebration for the 40th anniversary of his hit album, Storms of Life, was held in Nashville on June 3. It also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the naming dedication of the Randy Travis Room at The Nashville Place.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee officially recognized June 2 as Randy Travis Day. On June 2, the country star received a Tennessee Music Pathways marker, and a peninsula on Old Hickory Lake was dedicated as “Point Amen” in celebration of Travis.
Travis finished just wrapped the first part of his “The More Life Tour” last month. The next part begins in August and wraps in November.
“This show is more than a concert,” a post on Travis’ Instagram reads. “It’s a celebration of resilience, legacy, and the music that continues to bring people together night after night. Fans across the country have called it unforgettable…and we think you will too. We love you Forever and Ever, Amen and can’t wait to see you in your city!”
Despite his health setbacks, Travis continues to leave his mark on country music.
Read Next: Randy Travis Sings Again With Help of AI: ‘Everything I Prayed For’
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