Glen Campbell dies at 81

The singer died in hospice in Nashville

Country Music Hall of Fame member Glenn Campbell has passed away at the age of 81. The singer died around 10 am today (August 8th) in Nashville. The legendary singer/guitarist had suffered from Alzheimer’s in recent years and was confirmed by his family on his website and social media.

“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 can be made to the Glen Campbell Memorial Fund at BrightFocus Foundation through the CareLiving.org donation page.

“A personal statement from Kim Campbell will follow.”

Big Machine Records Founder/CEO Scott Borchetta released the following statement upon hearing of Campbell’s death.

“Everyone at the Big Machine Label Group is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Glen Campbell. Glen was a superstar of the highest order and a multi-threat talent as a singer, entertainer, world-class guitar virtuoso, actor and, of course, a great family man.  

“Glen and his family so bravely chose to publicly share their fight with Alzheimer’s through the James Keach-produced I’LL BE ME documentary which helped engage millions of people who face the realities of this terrible disease. We were honored to release his final recordings on the GRAMMY-winning and Oscar-nominated I’LL BE ME soundtrack, produced by our very own Julian Raymond.  

“Even in his final act, Glen’s star touched so many.”  

In 2011, Campbell’s family bravely revealed his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and embarked on a final Goodbye Tour that was documented in the award-winning documentary I’ll Be Me. Campbell and his family have been advocates on behalf of the cause, including sharing their story on Capitol Hill and speaking out on behalf of the millions of families in the U.S. facing the disease.

Campbell’s final album Adiós was released on June 9th on UMe. The 12 track collection features songs that Campbell always loved but never got a chance to record, including several from Jimmy Webb, his longtime collaborator behind some of his biggest hits like “Wichita Lineman” “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” and “Galveston.” In addition to the bittersweet title track, “Adiós,” first popularized by Linda Ronstadt, Campbell also sings Webb’s longing love song “Just Like Always” and country weeper “It Won’t Bring Her Back.” He revisits “Postcard From Paris” with his sons Cal and Shannon and daughter Ashley singing the line, “I wish you were here,” resulting in a powerful and heartfelt message of a family singing together one last time.

“Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Gentle On My Mind” are among his other hits. He was also a member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of first call studio musicians in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s who can be heard on albums from Merle Haggard, Nancy Sinatra, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Phil Spector and more.

Many stars have taken to Social media to express their thoughts.

https://twitter.com/SenJohnMcCain/status/895028305837076480

https://www.facebook.com/TrishaYearwood/posts/10155670098685972

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

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