Randy Travis remains in critical condition

Randy Travis remains in critical condition in a Texas hospital after doctors used a pump to stabilize his heart.

A news release from Travis' publicist on Tuesday said he underwent the procedure after checking into the hospital Sunday with viral cardiomyopathy, a heart condition caused by a virus.

The publicist, Kirt Webster, says the peripheral left ventricular assist device was used to stabilize Travis's heart prior to a hospital transfer to Dallas.

Travis thanked fans in the news release "for their love and support during this time."

No other details about the 54-year-old Grammy winner's condition were available.

The Mayo Clinic website notes the disease weakens and enlarges the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood and carry it to the rest of the body. It can lead to heart failure.

The illness is a continuation of a tough run for the 54-year-old "Three Wooden Crosses" singer after a handful of recent high-profile appearances, including a performance during the Country Music Association Festival's nightly concert series.

Travis pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in January following his arrest last year when he was found naked after crashing his Pontiac Trans Am.

Travis was sentenced to two years of probation, fined $2000 and given a 180-day suspended jail sentence. He was required to spend at least 30 days at an alcohol treatment facility and complete 100 hours of community service.

Sources familiar with the situation told TMZ that Travis recently completed his court-ordered rehab stint and had just returned to the road for some tour dates. Travis' website lists concerts from July through the end of October. In April, Travis performed at a memorialhonoring late country singer, George Jones.