A Near-Death Revelation
Country music star Trace Adkins has offered a candid look back at a harrowing chapter of his personal life, detailing the 1994 incident in which he was shot by his then-wife, Julie Curtis. In a recent appearance on the This Past Weekend with Theo Von podcast, the 64-year-old singer described the domestic dispute that nearly cost him his life, emphasizing that the violence was an extreme and unexpected escalation.
Adkins explained that the argument, which centered on his drinking habits at the time, spiraled when Curtis brandished a firearm. “That was uncalled for. That was totally uncalled for,” Adkins recalled during the interview. “Just leave. Let’s just call it quits, and we don’t have to go that far.”
The Anatomy of a ‘Kill Shot’
The incident occurred in 1994, just two years before the release of Adkins’ debut album, Dreamin’ Out Loud. According to the singer, Curtis held the gun under his left arm during the confrontation. When the weapon discharged, the bullet traveled through his heart and both lungs before exiting under his right arm. He was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for emergency open-heart surgery, a procedure he credits with saving his life.
Medical professionals later informed Adkins that the trajectory and velocity of the bullet were critical factors in his survival. Because the shot was fired at point-blank range, the bullet did not have the time or distance to “mushroom” or expand, which likely prevented more catastrophic internal damage. Adkins noted that he never pressed charges against Curtis, stating, “I don’t think she knew what was about to happen when she pulled that trigger. She thought it was a toy.”
A Legacy of Forgiveness
Despite the severity of the injuries, which continue to necessitate regular checkups with a cardiologist three decades later, Adkins has maintained a stance of forgiveness. He has publicly stated that he harbors no desire for retribution, viewing the event as a tragic misunderstanding rather than a calculated attempt on his life. This perspective has become a cornerstone of his narrative regarding that period of his life, which ultimately led to his separation from Curtis.
Following his recovery and the subsequent divorce from Curtis in 1994, Adkins went on to marry Rhonda Forlaw in 1997, with whom he shares three daughters. He is currently married to actress Victoria Pratt, a union that began in 2019. Throughout these transitions, Adkins has remained a prominent figure in country music, often using his platform to reflect on the personal growth that emerged from his past struggles.