Fans at Kenny Chesney’s show in Arlington, Texas on Saturday night (June 4) were in for a treat!
Chesney, who has been on his Spread The Love Tour, has been surprising audiences left and right with incredible performances and unexpected songs, but Saturday night was definitely one for the books.
When introducing his cover of Randy Travis’ 1986 hit “Diggin’ Up Bones”, Chesney took the performance one step further by inviting the song’s original performer onstage.
As many country fans know, Travis suffered a life-threatening stroke in 2013 and is still recovering, but not back to full health quite yet. He has made a few rare public appearances in the last year, including the ceremony where he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
He stood at the podium and said, “Thank you”, but not much else. Because of the lasting effects of his stroke, he was unable to finish his speech. His wife, Mary, took on the “daunting task of being the voice for this man who so eloquently put words to melody to make beautiful music for the world to enjoy.”
His recent medical history made his appearance at Chesney’s show all the more emotional. In the video taken by fans in the audience, Travis is seen hanging onto Chesney’s shirt with a tight grip and singing along to “Diggin’ Up Bones”.
After their short duet, they exchanged a high five, and Travis looked so happy to be back onstage, where he has spent most of his life.
Watch the video below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGUb4MBoZO_