Randy Travis' Wife Mary: The Woman Who Said No to 'Pulling the Plug' — and His Life Today

When country music legend Randy Travis suffered a massive stroke in 2013, his future was filled with uncertainty. Doctors warned his then fiance and long time friend, Mary, that his condition was critical and even advised ending life support because of severe infections and failing vital signs.

Yet amid this bleak prognosis, a moment of faith and love changed everything—a simple squeeze of Mary's hand and a tear shed by Randy revealed his fighting spirit.

Mary recalled that pivotal hospital moment in an interview with Fox News, saying, 'That was the moment I knew Randy was going to make it. He squeezed my hand and a tear went down his face. I said, "He's still fighting."'

Defying medical advice, she told the doctors, 'We are going to fight with him,' showing their unstoppable will.

Mary Travis Never Doubted Randy Travis

After Randy suffered the debilitating stroke, he faced severe health challenges including a staph infection and several hospital-acquired bacterial infections.

Doctors told Mary his condition was dire, with low blood cell counts and weakened vital signs. At a critical moment, the medical staff urged ending life support.

However, Randy's unexpected response of squeezing Mary's hand changed everything for her.

'I think Randy, there was never a doubt in Randy's mind that he could make it through it,' Mary said. 'It was that magical moment at his bedside when they said, "We need to pull the plug. He's got too many things going against him at that point." He had gotten a staph infection and three other hospital-borne bacterial viruses like Serratia and Pseudomonas. The doctors were just saying, "He just doesn't have the strength to get through this."'

Mary was advised to say her goodbyes as Randy's blood cell count dropped and vital signs failed. But she went to him, and it was then that Randy squeezed her hand and shed a tear. 'I said, "He's still fighting,"' she recalled.

Mary declared to the medical team they would fight alongside him. Randy's recovery was also complicated by prior congestive heart failure caused by viral cardiomyopathy.

Who Is Mary Travis?

Mary Travis is originally from Plano, Texas, where her family settled in 1958. She earned a degree in Business Marketing from Baylor University in 1981.

Before marrying Randy in 2015, they were longtime friends who had known each other for 30 years. Mary was previously married to Dr. Ritchie Beougher, a cosmetic dentist.

Throughout Randy's health struggles, she has been a steady and devoted presence, managing many aspects of their shared life while providing constant emotional support.

The Undying Love Story of Randy and Mary

Their relationship spans decades, culminating in their 2015 marriage. They have endured many hardships, including Randy's debilitating stroke which severely affected his speech and mobility.

Mary described how their connection evolved to a 'seventh sense' that replaced verbal communication after Randy's stroke.

Together, they reside on a quiet ranch in Tioga, Texas, where faith and nature provide comfort.

Their shared spirituality has been a critical foundation during Randy's extended hospital stays and ongoing recovery. Mary credited their faith as central to navigating difficult times.

Is Randy Travis Still Performing?

Though Randy no longer sings on stage due to aphasia caused by the stroke, he remains active through The More Life Tour, ongoing since 2023.

Guest vocalist James Dupre performs Randy's iconic songs while Randy makes special appearances, a gift for fans who continue to follow his journey.

In 2024, Randy released a remarkable single, Where That Came From, created using advanced artificial intelligence technology that replicated his voice from previous recordings.

Mary and Randy have advocated for ethical use of AI to extend Randy's musical legacy.

In 2025, Randy received the Academy of Country Music Milestone Award, honoring his resilience and immense impact on country music.