While the prognosis is different for every stroke survivor, Randy is continually making progress — and just celebrated his 60th birthday at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. “The whole third midsection of Randy’s left brain was affected, which is speaking, writing and reading,” Mary explains. “But each day there’s something new that he says or does.”

Now the singer is telling his own story with his new book, Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life, out May 14. From his music career, which has earned him seven Grammy Awards, to his 19-year marriage to his former manager and their divorce as well as his struggles with alcohol