Country singer Randy Travis was hospitalized Sunday in Texas and remains in critical condition, according to his publicist.
Kirt Webster issued a news release indicating that Travis is being treated for recently acquired viral cardiomyopathy, a heart condition.
According to his rep, the singer participating in several business meetings Friday and Saturday and seemed fine. He became gravely ill yesterday and was rushed to a medical facility.
Viral cardiomyopathy is the measurable deterioration of the heart muscle, usually leading to heart failure. People with cardiomyopathy are often at risk of dangerous forms of irregular heart beat and sudden cardiac death.
Treatment options, according to the Mayo Clinic website, include medication, surgical implant devices and heart transplants.
The 54-year-old Nashville artist was scheduled to perform in Deadwood, South Dakota on Wednesday, July 10.
Travis pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in January and was sentenced to two years of probation, fined $2,000 and given a 180-day suspended jail sentence. He was required to spend 30 days at an alcohol treatment facility and has been ordered by the court to complete 100 hours of community service.
Lance Armstrong hit Twitter to offer up get well wishes, “Thoughts go out to @randytravis. Heal up soon my man! One of country music’s greatest voices ever.”
UPDATE: The wife of Randy’s brother Ricky Traywick, said: “We have been told that he has had surgery. Our prayers are going out to him. His mother passed away at an early age with her heart, so it is like he is following right in her footsteps.”
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Photo: WENN