After suffering a stroke last July, Randy Travis may finally be on a road to recovery.

In an upcoming edition of Closer magazine, friends of the country star explain that although he's got a long road ahead of him, things are looking up for Travis.

“He hasn’t plateaued in his recovery, which is always a big fear,” one unnamed friend explains. “He really faces a long, tough battle."

Though there have been varied reports about Travis' health and whether or not he'll ever be able to perform again, some close to him are predicting that he'll be able to perform early next year.

“He’s pushed himself hard,” James Hilliard, co-owner of Clark’s Outpost Barbecue in Tioga, Texas, says. "He’s getting around normal and seems to be doing ok."

One of Travis' close friends adds that she doesn't doubt that he'll be back performing before we know it. Bonnie Paul, who co-wrote the song 'Childhood Sweethearts' alongside the singer, believes in him fully and is confident he'll be able to bounce back after the stroke.

"He’s taking great strides and getting better," she shares. Paul says a large part of why she believes this is because “he’s a cowboy!" According to her, the singer is starting to make strides by humming and has hopes for himself of making comeback.

Adds Paul, "If he gets back his strength, then anything is possible."

In June, it was suspected that the singer was still unable to speak following his 2013 stroke, but that his condition may not be permanent. In addition, a therapist explained that the star could possibly return to the stage in three years.

There has been no update from the singer's official rep in several months. Travis is said to be issuing another 'Influence' album at some point in the near future.

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