Glen Campbell, the singer-guitarist and TV host has died after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Campbell had 21 top 40 hits, including the famous “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Wichita Lineman” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”. During a career that spanned six decades, Campbell sold over 45 million records, and in 1968 he even outsold the Beatles.
Campbell’s family confirmed the singer’s passing in a statement on 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,” the statement read.
Campbell was credited with being able to successfully crossover between country and pop music. He was also famous for “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour”, a TV variety show that ran from 1969 to 1972.
His late career battle with Alzheimer’s made him a public face for the disease. His announced his retirement from music due to the disease, and played 151 shows on his final tour. His spent his final years in an assisted living facility.
Tributes have flooded in from the likes of Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Brian Wilson and Lenny Kravitz among others. “Thank you Glen Campbell for sharing your talent with us for so many years. May you rest in peace my friend. You will never be forgotten,” said fellow country star Charlie Daniels.
Campbell is survived by his wife Kim, and eight children.
