'90s Country Icon Nearly Died After Getting Shot by His Wife 32 Years Ago Today Melinda LorgeSat, February 21, 2026 at 11:37 PM UTC 0 (Getty Images) Trace Adkins has had his fair share of neardeath experiences, from working on an oil rig and nearly losing his legs to getting stranded in a hurricane long before his claim to country music fame. But it was back in 1994, 32 years ago, on Feb. 21, when the 6'6" country music icon took a bullet straight through the heart and both of his lungs. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency openheart surgery.
'90s Country Icon Nearly Died After Getting Shot by His Wife 32 Years Ago Today
Melinda LorgeSat, February 21, 2026 at 11:37 PM UTC
0
(Getty Images)
Trace Adkins has had his fair share of near-death experiences, from working on an oil rig and nearly losing his legs to getting stranded in a hurricane long before his claim to country music fame.
But it was back in 1994, 32 years ago, on Feb. 21, when the 6'6" country music icon took a bullet straight through the heart and both of his lungs. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency open-heart surgery.
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Adkins' injury happened during a domestic dispute with his second ex-wife, according to People, who, at the time, was Julie Curtis. The pair had been arguing over the "Just Fishin'" singer's excessive bouts with alcohol. During the violent altercation, Adkins had tried to disarm Curtis but was unsuccessful.
He Did Not Press Charges
Surprisingly, Adkins opted not to press charges, despite having to continue to receive regular heart checkups to make sure everything is OK.
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"It wasn't my time to go," Adkins reflected during an interview with People. "It was painful, but it didn't sear my memory. The physical pain — broken bones and surgeries and bullets and getting beaten up and cut — has never really bothered me. I have a high tolerance for it. It's the broken hearts that left the deepest scars."
He Recently Announced a Headlining Tour
These days, Adkins can live to tell the story. He has also moved on from his former relationship and is happily married to Canadian actress Victoria Pratt, whom he wed in the fall of 2019.
Adkins has a busy schedule ahead as he recently announced his 30th Anniversary Tour, a U.S. headlining trek celebrating his three-decade-long career since the release of his debut album, Dreamin' Out Loud.
Trace Adkins' 30th Anniversary Tour kicks off on Jan. 13 at the Oxford Performing Arts Center in Oxford, Ala., and currently goes through Sept. 19, where it will wrap up at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in Charles Town, WV. For more information on Trace Adkins' tour dates, visit his official website here.
Related: '90s Country Icon, 64, Admits He May Retire From Touring After 2026
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: February 22, 2026 at 05:00AM on Source: MANUEL MAG
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