On July 8, 2013, Randy Travis was fighting for his life at The Heart Hospital Baylor in Plano, Texas following a massive stroke. Doctors told the country star’s wife, Mary, to pull the plug. She refused, instead focusing on helping her husband recover and regain as much of his faculties as possible. Twelve years later, the “Forever and Ever, Amen” crooner, 66, is still here, and poised to receive the Milestone Award at this year’s Academy of Country Music Special Awards ceremony.
Videos by American Songwriter
ACM Names Randy Travis, Luke Combs, and More Among This Year’s Special Award Honorees
The Academy of Country Music will celebrate Randy Travis, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, and more during the 18th ACM Honors Awards ceremony, set for Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, at Nashville Yards’ The Pinnacle.
“This year’s ACM Special Awards honorees each have played an essential role in Country Music’s success,” said Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards committee. “From some of Country Music’s legendary artists to the incredible songwriters and powerhouse executives, we are so excited to celebrate these well-deserved recipients next month at The Pinnacle in Nashville.”
Travis will receive the ACM Milestone Award, which honors the contributions of longtime ACM Awards director and producer Gene Weed. According to the ACM’s website, the award typically goes to someone in the industry “for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of Country Music during the preceding calendar year.”
Helping launch the New Traditionalist Movement in the ’90s, Travis enjoyed immense success with No. 1 hits like “Three Wooden Crosses” and “I Told You So.” Following a life-altering stroke in 2013, the 11-time ACM Award winner became a prominent voice for advocating stroke awareness and healthcare rights in the industry.
“He continues to pioneer the future of Country Music, incorporating AI-assisted vocals to reimagine and revive old and never-before-heard songs, allowing for the preservation of a unique sound that defined a generation of the genre,” according to the ACM.
Past Milestone Award recipients include Taylor Swift, Lainey Wilson, Garth Brooks, and Willie Nelson.
Featured image by John Shearer/Getty Images for Concert For Carolina
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.