Country music legend, ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ singer and former touring member of The Beach Boys, Glen Campbell, has died from Alzheimer’s at the age of 81.
Campbell’s death has been confirmed by a representative for his record label, Universal Music Group, Rolling Stone reports.
“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,” Campbell’s family say in a statement.
Campbell, who died on Tuesday, was also best known for his recordings of ‘Wichita Lineman’ and ‘By the Time I Get to Phoenix’. During his six decades in the entertainment industry, he sold over 45 million records, and even outsold The Beatles in 1968.
Campbell announced his retirement from touring in 2011 after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and played his final show in 2012.
Campbell’s 64th (!!) and final studio album, Adiós, was released earlier this year.
Read his family’s full statement, below.
Statement From Glen Campbell’s Family (Via Facebook)
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.
Glen is survived by his wife, Kim Campbell of Nashville, TN; their three children, Cal, Shannon and Ashley; his children from previous marriages, Debby, Kelli, Travis, Kane, and Dillon; ten grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren; sisters Barbara, Sandra, and Jane; and brothers John Wallace “Shorty” and Gerald.
In lieu of flowers, donations for Alzheimer’s research may be made to the Glen Campbell Memorial Fund at BrightFocus Foundation through the donation page at Careliving.org.
A personal statement from Kim Campbell will follow.
The family appreciates your prayers and respect for their privacy at this time.
