U.S. country music star Randy Travis remains critical after surgery

USPA News - American country music star Randy Travis, who has sold more than 25 million records and won six Grammy awards for hits such as "Forever and Ever, Amen," remained under heavy sedation on Saturday and is still in a critical condition after emergency surgery earlier this week. Travis, 54, was rushed to the emergency room at Baylor Medical Center at Mckinney in Texas on July 7 after suffering from complications of viral cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.

He was listed in a critical condition and underwent placement of an IMPELLA peripheral left ventricular assist device for stabilization before being moved to The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, located north of Dallas. On Wednesday afternoon, doctors had said Travis was showing signs of improvement, but his condition deteriorated just hours later when he suffered a stroke and required emergency surgery. "As a complication of his congestive heart failure, Mr. Randy Travis has suffered a stroke and is currently undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his brain," publicist Kirt Webster said on Wednesday. Travis has been under heavy sedation since he came out of surgery late Wednesday night, and he remained in a critical condition on Saturday. "[Travis] is resting comfortably. His family continues to ask for prayers and support," Webster said in a statement late on Friday. Earlier this week, prior to suffering a stroke and undergoing emergency surgery, Travis thanked his fans for their love and support. Dr. William Gray, the director of cardiovascular services at Baylor Medical Center at McKinney, said Travis had been in "excellent health" until three weeks prior when he developed a viral upper respiratory illness. Travis, who has sold more than 25 million records during his 35-year-long career, is best known for hits such as "Three Wooden Crosses," "Forever and Ever, Amen," "Diggin` Up Bones," and "Deeper Than the Holler." He scored numerous awards, including six Grammy awards, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.