Singer Randy Travis awake after surgery

Randy Travis is awake and recovering from surgery following a stroke. File Photo / AP

American country music star Randy Travis is awake and making progress as he recovers from surgery following a stroke.

In a news release and video from the Texas hospital where the 54-year-old singer is recovering, doctors have given a more detailed explanation for the health troubles, saying they were caused by scarring on his heart.

Doctors say Travis remains on a ventilator but is breathing spontaneously.

He is interacting with family and friends and has begun the early stages of physical therapy.

The singer will stay at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano for two to three more weeks before being transferred to another facility where he will undergo aggressive physical therapy.

Doctors say it will take months to recover from the stroke, but a biopsy shows the swelling in his brain caused by the event last Wednesday is subsiding and he is making good progress.

Mary Davis, Travis' fiancee, thanked the singer's friends and fans for their prayers and support.

The Grammy Award-winning Three Wooden Crosses singer checked into the hospital on July 7 after a viral illness affected his heart.

Doctors initially thought the virus caused congestive heart failure, but have since determined that Travis has scarring on his heart.

- AP