Randy Travis is a well-known country music performer whose rich baritone voice has won over millions of fans. Travis has had great success in his career, from selling over 25 million albums to collecting Grammy awards. But despite his notoriety and splendor, he has had his share of difficulties.
Travis went to the ER in July 2013 with complaints of congestion; nevertheless, a few days later, he suffered a massive stroke. He was placed on life support to preserve his brain due to the substantial damage to the core of his left brain. With only 1% chance of life, the doctors forced his then-fiance Mary to make an impossible choice. Nevertheless, she remained by his side, resolved to defend his life.
After undergoing brain surgery, Travis stayed in the hospital for more than six months to recuperate. He had trouble walking and speaking after the stroke, but with his wife’s help and physical therapy, he was able to gradually restore his strength. Even though it got harder for Travis to sing and perform, he didn’t let it define who he was.
Randy Travis stunned the crowd in 2016 at the Country Music Hall of Fame by performing “Amazing Grace” for the first time after suffering a stroke. His performance stunned everyone in the room when his wife spoke on his behalf. It served as evidence of both his tenacity and the miracle he encountered.
Eager to reunite with his fans, Travis returned to the CMA Fest three years later. He smiled beautifully as he posed for pictures, signed autographs, and greeted his fans for the first time in twenty years. In terms of getting his life back and sharing his music with others, it was a big step.
Travis shared details of his experience in his autobiography, “Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Braving the Storms of Life.” He was frank in sharing his highs and lows, from his celebrated music career to his struggles with drinking. Travis talked about his serious financial difficulties as well as the lessons he discovered along the way.
Despite his continuous battle with aphasia, Travis’s wife affirms that his singing ability is still present as he approaches his 61st birthday. His baritone voice, which is a testament to his artistic ability, is still audible. He sings in the car when they drive, in the correct mood and with great verses.
The tale of Randy Travis is one of tenacity, optimism, and the force of love. It reminds us that no matter what obstacles we encounter, we can return to what really matters if we have the love and support of our loved ones and a strong will.
As we honor Randy Travis’ unyielding spirit and timeless music, let’s keep him and his amazing journey in our prayers.
The Corpse of Drew Barrymore’s Grandfather Was Stolen for One Last Celebration
John Barrymore came from a long line of theater actors. He himself first appeared on stage alongside his father in 1900, and in 1903 officially began his career, starring in the likes of Justice (1916) and Richard III (1920). His greatest role was his 1992 appearance in Hamlet, for which he was dubbed “the greatest living American tragedian.”
Barrymore also starred in a slew of silent films, most notably Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920), Sherlock Holmes (1922) and Beau Brummel (1924). He later made the transition to sound movies, starring in the likes of Grand Hotel (1932) and Midnight (1939).
On May 29, 1942, Barrymore died at the age of 60 from pneumonia and cirrhosis. What happened next has been the subject of many rumors. It’s alleged his friends, Errol Flynn, W.C. Fields and Sadakichi Hartmann snuck into the morgue where his body was being held, propped him up against a poker table and allowed him to experience one final celebration.
As it turns out, these rumors are true! In an August 2020 episode of the popular YouTube series Hot Ones, the acting legend’s granddaughter, Drew Barrymore, revealed his corpse had actually been stolen.
“Not only yes, but there have been cinematic interpretations of it,” she exclaimed. Those interpretations include S.O.B., starring Julie Andrews, and allegedly the 1989 comedy Weekend at Bernie’s, in which two friends pretend their deceased boss is alive.
Barrymore added that she wants the same to happen to her. “I will say this, I hope my friends do the same for me. That is the kind of spirit I can get behind. Just prop the old bag up, let’s have a few rounds.
“I think death comes with so much morose sadness and I understand that, but if it’s okay, just for me, if everybody could be really happy and celebratory and have a party, that would be my preference.”
Vintage Hollywood certainly was a different era…
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