A spokesman says that the 'Forever and Ever, Amen' singer is being treated for 'complications of recently acquired viral cardiomyopathy.'
- Jul 9, 2013
AceShowbiz - Country singer Randy Travis is critically ill. Travis' spokesman Kirt Webster said in a statement on Monday, July 8, that the "Diggin Up Bones" singer was admitted to a Texas hospital on Sunday. Webster added that Travis was in critical condition.
The 54-year-old singer was "suffering from complications of recently acquired viral cardiomyopathy," Webster said. Viral cardiomyopathy is a deterioration of the heart muscle caused by a viral infection. In some cases, the weakening of the muscle can lead to heart failure.
"Viral cardiomyopathy can be caused by 30-plus different viruses, but it's almost impossible to pinpoint which virus it is," Dr. Ramin Oskoui, a cardiologist and internal medicine specialist in Washington said, as quoted by CNN. "Hospitals use viral cardiomyopathy as a 'catch all' diagnosis."
Back in January, Travis made headlines after he pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated, which stemmed from an arrest in August when police officers found him naked after crashing his car. In addition to two years of probation, he was fined $2000 and given a 180-day suspended jail sentence. He was also required to attend an alcohol treatment program and carry out 100 hours of community service.
Travis is mostly known for his hits "Three Wooden Crosses", "Forever and Ever, Amen" and "Diggin' Up Bones". "I Told You So", his duet with Carrie Underwood in 2010, won a Grammy trophy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. His latest studio album "Blessed Assurance" was released in 2011.
