Country star Randy Travis, 54, was hospitalized Sunday due to complications stemming from viral cardiomyopathy and underwent heart surgery TMZ received confirmation of his hospitalization and condition from the singer’s representative.
Here is what you need to know about his hospitalization and illness:
1. He is in Critical Condition
Travis was admitted on Sunday into a Texas hospital and remains listed in critical condition.
2. Viral Cardiomyopathy is Serious
According to the National Institutes of Health:
In cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes enlarged, thick, or rigid. In rare cases, the muscle tissue in the heart is replaced with scar tissue.
As cardiomyopathy worsens, the heart becomes weaker. It’s less able to pump blood through the body and maintain a normal electrical rhythm. This can lead to heart failure or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias. In turn, heart failure can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen.
According to the Mayo Clinic, causes of cadriomyopathy could be the excessive use of alcohol or drugs, long-term high blood pressure, genetic conditions, or certain viral infections.
3. He Has Had a Rough Few Years
As we previously reported, Travis had two booze-related arrests in 2012, the second finding him buck naked on the street. Above, you can listen to the recording of the 911 call that reported him to the police.
4. He Is a Country Superstar
Travis is a six-time Grammy winner known for hits like “Always and Forever.”
His career has spanned over almost 35 years and 20 studio albums. His first wide release album, Storms of Life, sold over 4 million copies.
5. He Was Scheduled to Preform in Deadwood, South Dakota, This Week
Travis is currently in the middle of a massive summer tour around the United States. His next show was set for July 10, in South Dakota and he is scheduled to play a show almost every day between now and October 26.