There’s an unspoken language between country music legendRandy Travisand his wife, Mary.
The singer, 60, who suffered a massive stroke in July 2013, still has difficulty speaking but that hasn’t stopped the couple from rebuilding a life together on their ranch in Tioga, Texas. The two communicate via “our seventh sense, if you would,” Mary, 60, tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s issue. “Our communication is between hearts now, and not lips.”
Mary and Randy Travis.Fredrik Broden
While the prognosis is different for every stroke survivor, Randy is continually making progress — and justcelebrated his 60th birthdayat the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. “The whole third midsection of Randy’s left brain was affected, which is speaking, writing and reading,” Mary explains. “But each day there’s something new that he says or does.”
Randy Travis with Mary’s son Raleigh.Mary Davis Travis
Now the singer is telling his own story with his new book,Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life, out May 14. From his music career, which has earned him sevenGrammy Awards, to his 19-year marriage to his former manager and their divorce as well as hisstruggles with alcohol abuseand anger, the book details all the highs and lows of Randy’s life.
Working with writer Ken Abraham, the singer “wanted people to understand that he’s human,” says Mary. “And that they can overcome too.”
Randy Travis relearning to play the guitar.Mary Davis Travis
Fredrik Broden
“I tell him all the time, ‘You speak volumes in your silence,'” Mary adds. “In his silence, he can make me feel like a princess. I feel so blessed to get to walk beside him through this.”
Mary and Randy Travis.Chris Hollo
For more from our exclusive interview with Randy and his wife Mary, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.
source: people.com
