Randy Travis has had emergency surgery following a stroke at a Texas hospital.

Publicist Kirt Webster said the 54-year-old country singer remained in a critical condition after the operation to relieve pressure on his brain.

Randy Travis had been in hospital since Sunday after being treated for heart failure caused by a viral infection.

He suffered the stroke hours after doctors said he had been responding to treatment.

Randy Travis has had emergency surgery following a stroke

Randy Travis was initially admitted to hospital suffering from cardiomyopathy – a condition which weakens the heart – and congestive heart failure.

The singer’s publicist had said on Tuesday he had undergone a procedure to place a device in his heart to help it pump on its own.

Randy Travis, he added, was surrounded by family and friends, including actor Chuck Norris and fellow country singers Kenny Rogers, Lyle Lovett and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Other country stars, including Lady Antebellum and Martina McBride, have taken to Twitter to express their support for the Grammy winner.

“We’re all pulling for you Randy,” tweeted the singer Brad Paisley.

Randy Travis is best known for his songs Forever and Ever, Amen, Diggin’ Up Bones and I Told You So.

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