Full Breakdown
Trace Adkins Recalls 1994 Shooting by Ex-Wife Julie Curtis and His Ongoing Forgiveness
7/30/2026, 6:08:53 AM
The 1994 Shooting
In 1994, while separating from his second wife Julie Curtis, Trace Adkins was shot during an argument. Curtis placed a pistol under his left arm; the weapon discharged at point-blank range, sending the bullet through his heart and both lungs before exiting beneath his right arm. Emergency responders air-lifted him to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where physicians performed trauma surgery and later an open-heart operation to repair a septal injury. Doctors said the close proximity of the shot prevented the bullet from “mushrooming,” a factor they called critical to his survival. He remained hospitalized for roughly a month before returning home to continue recovery.
Background & Context
Adkins married Curtis in 1991; the marriage ended amid disputes over his drinking and the couple divorced later in 1994. He later married Rhonda Forlaw in 1997 (divorced 2014) and Canadian actress Victoria Pratt in October 2019, a union that remains intact.
Timeline
- 1994 – Shooting occurs during separation; Curtis and Adkins divorce later that year.
- 1994 – Emergency open-heart surgery performed at Vanderbilt.
- 1996 – Releases debut album *Dreamin’ Out Loud*.
- 1997 – Marries Rhonda Forlaw.
- 2014 – Divorces Rhonda Forlaw.
- October 2019 – Marries Victoria Pratt.
- July 28, 2026 – Discusses the 1994 incident on the *This Past Weekend* podcast with Theo Von.
Data & Statistics
- Bullet trajectory: entered under left arm, exited under right arm, passing through heart and both lungs.
- Hospitalization: approximately one month.
- Surgeries: emergency trauma surgery followed by a second open-heart procedure six months later to repair the septal defect.
- Ongoing care: regular cardiology check-ups three decades after the incident.
Official Statements & Responses
Adkins has said he does not believe Curtis intended to kill him. He recalled reaching for the gun to disarm her, noting that “she thought I was indestructible.” He explained that his decision not to press charges stemmed from legal counsel’s warning that a prosecution could have been complicated by the broader cultural climate surrounding high-profile murder cases at the time. He also highlighted the medical explanation for his survival, citing doctors’ assessment that the bullet’s point-blank velocity limited internal damage. He described the physical pain of recovery as “the part that hurt,” while asserting that the emotional impact was less severe because he had already forgiven Curtis.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She thought it was a toy. She was mad, yeah. Wanted me to leave, and I wouldn’t leave. She put it under my left arm, and the bullet came out of my right arm, so it went straight through.” — Trace Adkins
Impact and Ongoing Health
The shooting remains a defining episode in Adkins’ personal narrative. The incident required extensive cardiac surgery and a prolonged rehabilitation period. Regular cardiac monitoring continues to be part of his health regimen, underscoring the long-term medical consequences of the 1994 wound. Despite the trauma, Adkins has maintained an active touring schedule and recently promoted his patriotic single “American Made,” indicating that the event, while life-altering, has not halted his professional pursuits.
