Update!

Randy Travis Undergoes Heart Surgery After Being Hospitalized in Critical Condition

Country crooner was admitted to a Texas hospital on July 7 due to a heart condition

By Alexis L. Loinaz Jul 09, 2013 1:23 PMTags
Randy TravisJordan Strauss/WireImage

UPDATE July 9, 2013 @ 12:55 p.m. PT: Contrary to reports, Randy Travis has not undergone heart surgery, according to his rep, Kirt Webster.

The spokesman clarified that the country crooner is being treated for viral cardiomyopathy—a disease that weakens the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure—and underwent placement of an Impella peripheral left ventricular assist device for stabilization prior to transferring hospitals. He remains in critical condition.

"We are very thankful to the fans for their love and support during this time," said Travis in a statement.

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A day after he was rushed to a Texas hospital in critical condition, Randy Travis underwent heart surgery on Monday.

Per People, his sister-in-law confirmed that the 54-year-old had the operation in the hopes of stabilizing the country crooner's condition after he suffered complications from a heart ailment.

Teresa Traywick, wife of Randy's brother Ricky Traywick, told the mag: "We have been told he has had surgery. Our prayers are going out to him because my husband just had a heart attack last year, so it is in their family."

The singer was hospitalized Sunday in Texas with what his publicist said was viral cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by a deterioration of the heart muscle that can lead to shortness of breath, swelling of the legs and heart failure.

His rep did not disclose any other information, other than to state that Travis' condition was listed as critical.

Two years ago, the crooner collapsed onstage while performing at a gala in Fort Worth, Texas. Doctors later said that the star fainted due to a combination of dehydration, caffeine, over-the-counter allergy medications and a subsequent bout with laryngitis.

Over the past year, the country star has found himself making headlines for his police run-ins rather than his music.

Within a six-month period, Travis was busted twice for alcohol-related incidents. In February 2012, he was arrested in Dallas for public intoxication after a police officer found Travis sitting in a car in a parking lot past midnight with a bottle of wine inside—an incident that was caught on camera.

That August, he was popped in Tioga, Texas, after authorities discovered him lying naked on the street. He later reportedly threatened to shoot and kill officers after refusing to take a blood and breath test.

Fans had held out hope that Travis was pulling his life back together: In December, his rep told People that Travis was "doing great and had "given up drinking alcohol," before adding, "He's in the best shape he's ever been in in his life."

(Originally published July 9, 2013 @ 6:23 p.m. PT)