United States country singer Glen Campbell died on Tuesday at Nashville Alzheimer’s facility at 81.
The singer, famous for hits like ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ and ‘Wichita Lineman’ had been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease for several years.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and legendary singer and guitarist, Glen Travis Campbell, at the age of 81, following his long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease,” his family said in a statement posted on the singer’s official website.
Campbell announced in June 2011 that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s. The ‘Gentle on My Mind’ singer then embarked on a nationwide farewell tour that ended in November 2012.
Campbell began his career as a well-regarded recording session guitarist in Los Angeles before becoming a fixture on the U.S. music charts, radio and television in the 1960s and ’70s.
He won six Grammy Awards and had nine No. 1 songs in a career of more than 50 years.
He released a final studio album in June 2017, called “Adios,” that was recorded after the tour wrapped up.
He was married four times and had eight children. As he would confide in painful detail, Campbell suffered for his fame and made others suffer as well.
He drank heavily, used drugs and indulged in a turbulent relationship with country singer Tanya Tucker in the early 1980s.
The music legend is survived by his wife, Kim, their three children, his children from previous marriages, 10 grandchildren and great and great-great-grandchildren.
