Life looks a bit different for Randy Travis since the country singer suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2013. An ensuing aphasia diagnosis has affected his ability to communicate, therefore limiting public performances and appearances. But Travis, 65, couldn’t miss out on celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry. Viewers even got to hear the “Heroes and Friends” singer’s voice again thanks to a tender tribute from Carrie Underwood. On Saturday (March 22), Travis took to social media to express his gratitude.
Randy Travis was positively beaming during Carrie Underwood’s Opry 100: A Live Celebration performance. And that same radiant smile is present in every single picture he shared with his Instagram followers.
“Grateful for friends, family, fans, and memories like these at the @Opry!” Travis captioned the carousel of pictures featuring Post Malone, Jamey Johnson, and others.
Carrie Underwood’s Tribute Brought the Grand Ole Opry to Tears
Indeed, it was a special night for Randy Travis, the Opry, and those who love both. Especially when Underwood took the stage to honor one of her heroes. The “Before He Cheats” songbird was hooked the first time she ever heard Travis’ warm baritone.
“The first time I met him, many years later, I cried—embarrassing,” said Underwood, 41. “But it was so emotional for me to meet this man whose voice I’d been singing to, and along with, my whole life. I could never have imagined that I would be recording songs with him, or that Randy would become my dear friend—or that he would surprise me onstage and invite me to join the Grand Ole Opry back in 2008.”
Then she launched into a performance of two of her favorite Randy Travis songs, starting with 2002’s “Three Wooden Crosses.” Next, the American Idol judge sang the North Carolinian’s career-defining 1987 hit “Forever and Ever, Amen.”
As she wrapped up the final chorus, Underwood, 41, extended the mic to Travis, who sang the last “amen.”
“Randy Travis, everybody!” she exclaimed, as many audience members dried their eyes.
