Country Star Trace Adkins Recounts Surviving Gunshot Wound Through Heart and Lungs

Country music performer Trace Adkins detailed his survival of a near-fatal shooting on a recent podcast appearance, describing how a bullet pierced his heart and both lungs during a domestic dispute in 1994. The 64-year-old singer explained the incident occurred when his second wife, Julie Curtis, opened fire during an argument over his refusal to leave their home. He said Curtis held the weapon beneath his left arm and fired at point-blank range, with the projectile exiting under his right arm.

Adkins recalled approaching Curtis with an outstretched hand to request the gun when she discharged it during their confrontation. He described entering a state of shock immediately following the injury, noting he has limited memory of the event itself beyond collapsing and later regaining consciousness on the floor. According to Adkins, medical professionals attributed his survival to the bullet’s velocity at discharge, which prevented it from expanding as it traversed his vital organs.

The singer underwent extensive surgical intervention to repair the damage to his cardiac and pulmonary systems, with doctors performing open-chest procedures to address the injuries. Adkins ultimately declined to pursue legal action against Curtis, stating he believed she did not comprehend the weapon’s lethal capability. He characterized her as unfamiliar with firearms, noting he maintained an extensive personal gun collection but had never witnessed her handling weapons prior to the shooting.

Adkins and Curtis divorced later in 1994 following their separation. The singer has since married three additional times, most recently to Canadian actress Victoria Pratt in October 2019 in a ceremony conducted by singer Blake Shelton. Pratt recently obtained United States citizenship, and Adkins expressed pride in her embrace of American identity while promoting his new song “American Made.”