Trace Adkins Breaks His Silence About the Scars He Tried to Hide
Country music powerhouse Trace Adkins is known for his commanding voice, towering presence, and deeply emotional performances. But in a recent and rare moment of vulnerability, Adkins opened up about the harrowing experiences that nearly cost him his life-more than once.
💔 A Life Marked by Near-Death Moments
In an intimate interview, Adkins reflected on what he described as “a series of close calls,” including a near-fatal gunshot wound to the chest, multiple serious accidents during his early years, and a lifestyle that pushed him to the edge.
“I’ve been through some things… and I know I’m lucky to still be here,” he confessed.
“Some people call it luck. I call it grace.”
The gunshot wound, inflicted during a domestic dispute in 1994 by his second wife, pierced both his heart and lungs. Against all odds, Adkins survived—and chose not to press charges.
⚠️ Close Calls Before Fame
Before launching his music career, Adkins worked on oil rigs in Louisiana, where he encountered several terrifying incidents:
A bulldozer accident nearly crushed his legs
An oil tank explosion left him badly injured
He even survived being stranded in the path of Hurricane Chantal in 1989
Each of these events, he says, shaped his music and outlook on life.
🎶 Turning Pain Into Purpose
Despite these traumatic moments, Adkins rose to fame with his 1996 debut album Dreamin’ Out Loud, and never looked back. His raw honesty and resilience have continued to resonate with fans, particularly in hits like You’re Gonna Miss This and Arlington.
“Those experiences made me who I am. I sing about pain, survival, and redemption because I’ve lived it.”
🙏 A Message to Others
Adkins says he hopes his story can inspire others who may be struggling or battling their own demons.
“If my story helps someone realize they’re not alone… that they can survive whatever they’re facing… then it’s worth sharing.”
📌 Looking Forward
Now sober and grounded in family life with his wife Victoria Pratt, Adkins continues to tour and release new music. His latest projects include a role in the upcoming Western thriller Day of Reckoning and his participation in Blake Shelton’s 2025 Friends & Heroes tour.