Randy Travis has been mostly out of the spotlight since a life-threatening stroke several years ago, but a longtime friend says he expects the singer to be able to sing again.

Chuck Lipps is Vice President of RMA Presents, a West Virginia-based concert promotion group whose clients have included Colt Ford, Florida Georgia Line, Dustin Lynch, Trace Adkins and many more. He used to tour with a band called the Breeze, which opened for Travis early in his career, and when he spent some time with the country legend in December, he was very encouraged by Travis' progress.

"He can talk ... say words, but no sentences," Lipps tells the Parkersburg News and Sentinel. "He is alert and knew me."

In fact, Lipps had asked to see Travis for half an hour, but his old friend was doing so well that he ended up staying all day, looking at old photo albums and reminiscing about old times. Lipps reports the singer was able to walk an entire lap around his Texas home without assistance, and he and his wife Mary even went to dinner with Lipps that evening.

Lipps arrived home that evening to a message from Travis' wife, who told him how happy Travis had been to see an old friend. "I think Randy will make a total recovery," Lipps now says. "It was an amazing day. I am proud of him. He is lucky to be alive."

Watch: Randy Travis Sings:

See Randy Travis Photos Through the Years

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