CMT News

Randy Travis Gets Hollywood Star

Friend Jon Voight Aids in Induction

HOLLYWOOD-With help from actor Jon Voight and honorary Hollywood mayor Johnny Grant, Randy Travis received his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Wednesday morning (Sept. 29).

The star, which is located near the corner of Hollywood and Sycamore, is just a few feet away from stars bearing the names of Dwight Yoakam and Earl Scruggs. Across the street are stars for Reba McEntire and Clint Black.

Travis said the honor was one he never expected, and he shared the moment with his wife and manager, Elizabeth "Lib" Hatcher.

"I thank God for her every day because if I hadn't met her and changed the way I was living my life during those teenage years, I wouldn't be alive to be here," Travis said, alluding to his rebellious younger days.

Voight, who became friends with Travis when they worked together on the 1997 film The Rainmaker, said no one is more deserving of the honor than Travis.

"He's a man of faith and moralistic values, and one day, when the time is right, they're going to make a movie of Randy's life, and it will certainly be a signature of hope for everyone who thinks their hardships cannot be overcome," Voight said from the podium.

Since his debut on the country scene in 1986, Travis has won four Grammy Awards, five Country Music Association Awards, nine Academy of Country Music Awards and 10 American Music Awards. His latest hit, "Three Wooden Crosses," went to No. 1 on the Billboard country singles chart and was named song of the year in 2003 by both the CMA and ACM. Travis has also dabbled in acting, appearing in the films Black Dog and Fire Down Below and guesting on TV shows Touched By an Angel and Matlock.

At a post-ceremony reception, Travis told CMT News that he is now considering a part in the upcoming big-screen remake of the TV show Dukes of Hazzard. He is up for two parts in the film, but he's not sure his touring schedule will allow it.

"We've booked into December dates to go out and play, so I don't know what's going to happen," he said.

Travis' new album, Passing Through, will hit stores on Nov. 9. Although it will be released on Christian label Word Records, the songs will be a mix of country and spiritual.