While Randy Travis remains in critical condition with heart problems, his rep has denied reports he underwent heart surgery over the weekend. The rep says Travis simply had a device that helps pump blood through the heart implanted to treat his viral cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by a weakening of the heart muscles.
"Contrary to reports, Randy Travis has not undergone heart surgery," representative Kirt Webster said. "Travis was admitted into a Texas hospital on Sunday and underwent placement of an IMPELLA peripheral left ventricular assist device for stabilization prior to transferring hospitals. The Grammy winner remains in critical condition,” Travis’ rep said.
No other details on the 54-year-old’s condition were immediately available. Yesterday, Travis’ sister-in-law Teresa Traywick told People magazine the family was praying for the singer. "Our prayers are going out to him because my husband just had a heart attack last year, so it is in their family. Their mother passed away at an early age with her heart, so it is like these boys are following right in their footsteps. My prayers are with them. That's all I can say right now,” she said.
Travis made headlines in 2012 for two alcohol-related arrests in Texas. His first arrested occurred in February 2012 when he was found parked outside First Baptist Church in Stranger with an open bottle of wine. He was book for public intoxication. Travis was arrested six months later near Tioga for suspicion of DWI and felony retaliation and obstruction after he crashed his car. Police say he was completely naked when they arrived. He was also accused of threatening to shoot and kill the responding officers.
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