Country singer Randy Travis, center, sits with his wife, Mary, left, and Dr. Blaise Baxter, right, of Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn., before a meeting of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. Randy Travis, who suffered a stroke in 2013, attended the hearing for Stroke Awareness Day at the legislature. Dozens of country stars, from Garth Brooks to Kenny Rogers, are scheduled to perform at a tribute show Wednesday night in Nashville to honor Travis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
The Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Country star Randy Travis met with Tennessee lawmakers to raise awareness for stroke victims following his near-fatal stroke in 2013.
Travis was at the state Capitol on Wednesday, hours before he was to be feted at a tribute concert in Nashville, featuring Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers and others.
Travis lost the use of his right side, as well as the ability to read, write and speak. But his wife, Mary, told a Senate Health Committee that he has improved greatly following years of rehabilitation.
The Grammy winner went through two brain surgeries and was in the hospital for five and a half months, but Travis surprised everyone at his Country Music Hall of Fame induction last year when he sang "Amazing Grace."
She said last week her husband read the word "Nashville" on a highway sign, the first time since the stroke that he indicated he could read again.
"We've come a long way now," Mary Travis said. "I guess I speak to the family members and the medical field who are challenged with stroke patients to not ever give up."
Travis' multi-platinum debut album, "Storms of Life," in 1986 made him a star with his deep baritone voice. He had hits with songs like "Forever and Ever Amen," ''Three Wooden Crosses" and "On the Other Hand."
Country singer Randy Travis, left, walks with his wife, Mary, center, as they leave a meeting of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. Randy Travis, who suffered a stroke in 2013, attended the hearing for Stroke Awareness Day at the legislature. Dozens of country stars, from Garth Brooks to Kenny Rogers, are scheduled to perform at a tribute show Wednesday night in Nashville to honor Travis. At right is Dr. Blaise Baxter, right, of Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
The Associated Press
Country singer Randy Travis, center, listens as his wife, Mary, left, tells of her husband's battle to survive a stroke during a meeting of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. Randy Travis, who suffered a stroke in 2013, attended the hearing for Stroke Awareness Day at the legislature. Dozens of country stars, from Garth Brooks to Kenny Rogers, are scheduled to perform at a tribute show Wednesday night in Nashville to honor Travis. At right is Sen. Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
The Associated Press
Country singer Randy Travis, center, and his wife, Mary, left, attend a meeting of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. Randy Travis, who suffered a stroke in 2013, attended the hearing for Stroke Awareness Day at the legislature. Dozens of country stars, from Garth Brooks to Kenny Rogers, are scheduled to perform at a tribute show Wednesday night in Nashville to honor Travis. At right is Sen. Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
The Associated Press
Country singer Randy Travis, center, walks into a hearing room with his wife, Mary, before a meeting of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. Randy Travis, who suffered a stroke in 2013, attended the hearing for Stroke Awareness Day at the legislature. Dozens of country stars, from Garth Brooks to Kenny Rogers, are scheduled to perform at a tribute show Wednesday night in Nashville to honor Travis. At left is Sen. Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
The Associated Press