Updated: February 22, 2026
Did trace adkins wife shoot him? Country music legend Trace Adkins has lived a life full of highs, lows, and some truly wild moments. One story that keeps resurfacing—especially around its anniversary—is the night his wife shot him point-blank in the heart. Yes, you read that right. The bullet tore through his heart and both lungs, yet he survived against all odds. Let’s break down what really happened, why it went down, and what Trace has said about it years later.
Table of Contents
What Actually Happened That Night?
On February 21, 1994, Trace Adkins was in the middle of a heated domestic argument with his second wife, Julie Lauren Curtis. The couple had been married for about three years, but things were rocky—largely tied to Trace’s admitted struggles with alcohol at the time.
The fight escalated quickly. Julie reportedly grabbed a .38-caliber pistol and pointed it at him. Trace, being the tough, 6’6″ guy he is, tried to disarm her. In his own words from interviews and his autobiography A Personal Stand, he challenged her macho-style: something along the lines of “Give me the gun, or I’m gonna take it away from you and beat your damn brains out with it.” (He later clarified he wouldn’t have actually done that—it was said to scare her.)
Instead, the gun went off. The bullet entered his chest, passed through his left lung, both chambers of his heart, his right lung, and exited the other side—what doctors called a classic “kill shot.”
Trace didn’t collapse right away. In a detail that’s both grim and oddly practical, he staggered to the bathtub to avoid bleeding on their new carpet while waiting for help. Paramedics rushed him to Vanderbilt University Medical Center via Life-Flight helicopter. He underwent emergency open-heart surgery, and doctors gave him slim chances of pulling through. But Trace’s toughness (and quick medical care) won out—he survived.
- Date of incident: February 21, 1994
- Weapon: .38-caliber pistol
- Injury path: Through heart (both ventricles) and both lungs
- Immediate action: Trace crawled to bathtub; airlifted for surgery
Why Did Trace Adkins Choose Not to Press Charges?
Here’s the part that surprises most people: Trace refused to press charges against Julie. He has repeatedly said he didn’t believe she intended to kill him—it was a tragic accident born out of anger and fear in the moment. In his view, the gun wouldn’t have been there if the argument hadn’t spiraled, and alcohol played a big role in the tension.
The couple divorced later that same year, but Trace has spoken forgivingly about it in interviews. He sees it as one of several “brushes with death” in his life (he’s also survived a serious car accident in his youth, a knee injury that ended his football dreams, and being stranded on an oil rig during a hurricane).
This forgiveness speaks to Trace’s resilient character—he’s been open about his past mistakes, including battles with alcoholism (he entered rehab multiple times, including after an intervention from family in 2001).
Trace Adkins’ Marriages and Life Today
Trace’s personal life has had its share of chapters:
- First marriage: Barbara Lewis (two daughters: Tarah and Sarah)
- Second marriage: Julie Lauren Curtis (1991–1994; ended after the shooting)
- Third marriage: Rhonda Forlaw (1997–2015; three daughters: Mackenzie, Brianna, Trinity)
- Current marriage: Victoria Pratt (since October 12, 2019; no children together)
He met Victoria on the set of the 2014 film The Virginian, and Blake Shelton even officiated their New Orleans wedding. As of 2026, they’re still going strong, recently celebrating anniversaries with simple, happy moments together.
Trace often reflects on these events as shaping who he is—a survivor who’s grateful to still be here.
Key Facts at a Glance
Here’s a quick table summarizing the essential details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | February 21, 1994 |
| Wife Involved | Julie Lauren Curtis (second wife) |
| Weapon | .38-caliber pistol |
| Injury Details | Bullet through heart (both chambers) and both lungs |
| Medical Outcome | Emergency open-heart surgery; survived |
| Charges Pressed? | No – Trace chose not to press charges |
| Reason Given | Believed it was accidental, not intentional |
| Marriage Outcome | Divorced later in 1994 |
| Current Wife (2026) | Victoria Pratt (married 2019) |
Conclusion: A Story of Survival and Second Chances
The 1994 shooting remains one of the most talked-about moments in Trace Adkins’ life—proof that truth can be stranger (and more intense) than fiction. Yet Trace turned it into a lesson in resilience, forgiveness, and moving forward. He’s gone on to build a legendary career in country music, raise a family, and find lasting love.
It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, people can survive, grow, and thrive. Trace Adkins is living proof. If you’re a fan, his story adds even more depth to those powerful baritone vocals and heartfelt songs.
What do you think—would you have forgiven in that situation? Share your thoughts below!