This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Nashville, Tenn. • Country music star Randy Travis was in critical condition Monday in a Texas hospital, a day after he was hospitalized with viral cardiomyopathy.
A news release from the singer's publicist says Travis was admitted to the hospital Sunday in Dallas and is in critical condition. Kirt Webster, Travis' publicist, said no other details about Travis' condition were available Monday.
Viral cardiomyopathy is a heart condition caused by a virus.
The illness is a continuation of a tough run for the 54-year-old "Three Wooden Crosses" singer after a handful of recent high-profile appearances, including a performance during the Country Music Association Festival's nightly concert series.
Travis pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in January following his arrest last year when he was found naked after crashing his Pontiac Trans Am.
Travis was sentenced to two years of probation, fined $2000 and given a 180-day suspended jail sentence. He was required to spend at least 30 days at an alcohol treatment facility and complete 100 hours of community service.
The Mayo Clinic website describes cardiomyopathy (kahr-dee-oh-my-OP-uh-thee) as a disease that weakens and enlarges the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood and carry it to the rest of the body. It can lead to heart failure. Treatments range from medications and surgically implanted devices to heart transplants.