August 9, 2017
by John Larson
After battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years, Glen Campbell, an iconic entertainer in country music, died in Nashville on August 8, 2017, according to the Associated Press. He was 81. Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011.
Campbell rose to fame in the 1960s was best known for his hit 1975 “Rhinestone Cowboy,” which was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His other hit songs included “Southern Nights,” “Galveston” and “It’s Only Make Believe.” The versatile entertainer was also an actor and TV host. He starred in “Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” on CBS from 1969 to 1972. Campbell, who admitted having addictions to drugs and alcohol for most of his career, won five Grammys and sold 45 million records worldwide.
He was the subject of the 2014 documentary film “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me,” which chronicled his last concert tour and his life dealing with Alzheimer’s. His last studio album, “Adios,” was released in June 2017.
Campbell his survived by his fourth wife, Kim; eight children; and 10 grandchildren.