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Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, Fred Foster join Country Music Hall of Fame

By Wade Sheridan
Randy Travis arrives on the Orange Carpet at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards on April 18, 2010. While still recovering from a stroke, Travis spoke at the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016. File Photo by Alexis C. Glenn/UPI
1 of 2 | Randy Travis arrives on the Orange Carpet at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards on April 18, 2010. While still recovering from a stroke, Travis spoke at the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016. File Photo by Alexis C. Glenn/UPI | License Photo

NASHVILLE, March 30 (UPI) -- Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels and producer Fred Foster are the next in line to join the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony took place Tuesday during a special event held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville where all three inductees gave speeches thanking the organization for the honor.

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Foster, known as the head of Monument Records and for being instrumental in the careers of Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, and Kris Kristofferson among others, spoke first followed by iconic fiddle player Daniels who his best known for his 1979 hit, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."

"To say that I thought this day would never come would be an understatement. [It feels like] you're at the top of the mountain and I have to say the feeling is awfully good," Foster said.

"Oh, mercy. I'm flabbergasted. You can work toward other goals but you can't work toward this. I don't ever get nervous in front of a crowd of people. I'm as nervous as hell," Daniels added while on stage.

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Travis, one of country music's biggest stars with 16 No. 1 singles including classics "On the Other Hand," "Forever and Ever Amen," and "I Told You So," spoke last at the event with the help of his wife Mary Travis.

Travis is still recovering from a massive stroke he suffered in 2013 as a result of a viral infection in his heart. "I know that he chose a career he was hoping he could make a difference in, and that career made a difference in him," Mary said. Travis who has trouble speaking was able to say "thank you."

After the speech, Mary spoke with People magazine about the honor and how her husband is recovering following the stroke. "It's the little things – the little word, the extra sound, the extra lap we make in rehab," she said. "It's certainly put life in perspective as far as what we need to focus on."

Travis, Daniels and Foster will officially be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame during the Fame Medallion ceremony set to take place later this year.

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