Country star Randy Travis releases holiday recordings 12 years after stroke
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Randy Travis knows the reason for this season; faith, family and friends.
After suffering a stroke that limited his ability to speak more than 12 years ago, the legendary country singer once again turned to artificial intelligence to create music and reconnect with his fans.
Taking a step away from AI, Travis’ wife, Mary, told Fox News Digital exclusively that the couple is reminiscing about Christmas past as they dive deep into the vaults of their records to bring the resulting holiday entries to life.
RANDY TRAVIS’ WIFE DEFIES MEDICAL ADVICE TO ‘PULL THE PLUG’ DURING COUNTRY STAR’S STROKE RECOVERY BATTLE
More than 12 years after Randy Travis suffered a near-fatal stroke, the country legend has released new music from unearthed recordings. (David A. Smith)
WATCH: Randy and Mary Travis discuss new Christmas song
“It’s been a long time since I released a Christmas album,” Mary said. “We didn’t know where we would be any further than we expected after the stroke 12 and a half years ago. And Christmas is such a sweet time of year for so many people.”
He added, “And I’m getting in the Christmas spirit by playing Randy Travis’ Christmas music to have a new Christmas song.
“We didn’t know where we would be any further than we expected after the stroke 12 and a half years ago.”
“So this is, after being on the road so much, I’m really excited to wear this and be home for Christmas this year. So it’s just the right time.”
Grammy Award winner Randy Travis suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2013. (Steve Granitz/WireImage)
“Where My Heart Is” was recorded before Randy’s stroke. In 2013, the “Forever, Amen” singer was hospitalized for congestive heart failure due to viral cardiomyopathy. A blood clot in his heart caused a stroke, which left him partially paralyzed and also affected his speech.
RANDY TRAVIS’ KEY TO LASTING LOVE STILL INCLUDES THE NAME OF THE PET HE CALLS MATTER
Hearing Randy sing again brought back many emotions in the Travis family.
Randy Travis’ new Christmas single is titled “Where Is My Heart.” (117 Entertainment)
“You get to go for Christmas and be where you want, where your heart is,” Mary said. “I think it just means you value life and the time you spend with your loved ones more.”
“And like I always say, you love what God lends you because one day he’s going to need them back, and this is the perfect time to hold them tight at Christmas. They put all the broken pieces back together throughout the year.”
Mary and Randy Travis got married in 2015. (John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
She admitted that it “took a while” for the family to get used to not hearing Randy’s voice, but revisiting the recordings reminded Mary of how strong her husband really was.
“And like I always say, you love what God lends you because one day he will need it back.”
“Her voice is so iconic, it’s one of a kind. I know she would give anything in the world to be able to sing like that again,” he said. “But to me, just being okay with not singing makes him an even greater man. The fact that he’s accepted it for what it is and can look back and appreciate the God-given talent he’s been given.”
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Mary acknowledged that Randy’s faith anchored their family throughout the recovery process. Releasing new holiday music has been a “relaxing” experience.
WATCH: Randy Travis never took singing for granted before his 2013 stroke
“Not just for country music and the music he made and the movies he made, but Christmas was always warm,” Mary recalled. “It means a lot because of that time of year and it ties into your faith, your family, your friends, everything, and your fans, of course Randy’s fans.
“Her voice is so iconic, it’s one of a kind. I know she would give anything in the world to be able to sing like that again.”
“They waited for it and were kind enough to do it, so it’s a time when you can slow down enough to catch up.”
More than anything, Mary and Randy are grateful that the country star had the chance before his stroke to help shape the genre with songs and lyrics that will be around forever.
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“Our finite abilities are not defined by the infinite fact that we recorded that music, and it will be there throughout history,” Mary said. “And like everything else in life, we don’t really appreciate it until it’s gone.
Mary Travis said her husband’s voice was “one of a kind.” (Frederick Breedon IV/WireImage)
“His voice was definitely a God-given gift. And I don’t think Randy ever took that for granted, because he never took anything for granted that I knew. He was humble.”
He added: “But after the stroke you realized more that it was a gift, that it had its time. Now we move on and enjoy what we do, but you never stop trying to create something new and different.”
“Where My Heart Is” is out now.
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