On Tuesday, August 8 country music (and the entertainment industry as a whole) lost an icon with the passing of singer Glen Campbell.
“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,” read a statement from Campbell’s family on his website.
Campbell’s daughter Ashley (a country singer in her own right) shared her grief on Instagram.
“Heartbroken. I owe him everything I am, and everything I ever will be. He will be remembered so well and with so much love,” she wrote.
During his career, the “Rhinestone Cowboy” singer racked up 10 Grammy Awards and 10 Academy of Country Music Awards while releasing over 70 albums and selling 45 million records. He also appeared in films such as 1969’s True Grit and 1970’s Norwood.
Campbell’s music stood the test of time, reaching fans of all generations and remaining part of the pop culture scene right up until his death.
His 1977 tune “Southern Nights” was recently featured in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and he was nominated for an Oscar in 2015 for co-writing “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” for the documentary, Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me, which chronicled his farewell tour throughout the world while he battled Alzheimer’s.
Naturally, the loss of a performer of this magnitude made a huge impact on the country music scene with Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban among those sending love.
Songs, songs, songs… Man, in a world of good stuff, his was great, in a world of great stuff, his was special! @GlenCampbell pic.twitter.com/9qexor9jX0
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) August 8, 2017
Extremely sad to hear that Glen Campbell has passed away. My prayers and thoughts go out to him and his family.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) August 8, 2017
Thank you @GlenCampbell for the artistry, grace & class you brought to country music. You were a shining light in so many ways.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) August 8, 2017
I love Glen for so many reasons – but above all, for his humanity. Go rest high on that mountain, Glen. – KU https://t.co/mJQseVHST5
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) August 9, 2017
We lost a music legend today. Rest in peace, Glen Campbell. Sending love and prayers to his family. pic.twitter.com/CqW5eMFXAF
— Rascal Flatts (@rascalflatts) August 8, 2017
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— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) August 8, 2017
The world lost a little sparkle today. Rest in rhinestoned peace, @GlenCampbell 💎 You inspired me so much.
— KACEY MUSGRAVES (@KaceyMusgraves) August 8, 2017
Wow… just heard Glen Campbell passed… sad day for music
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) August 8, 2017
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Dolly Parton shared a video message in which she praised Campbell’s talents calling him “one of the greatest voices of all time.”
Glen Campbell was one of the greatest voices of all time. I will always love you, Glen! pic.twitter.com/LQFEWA42lF
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 8, 2017
Campbell often crossed genres as evidenced by his work on the Beach Boys album Pet Sounds, where he lent his guitar playing abilities and even joined the band on tour.
“I’m at a loss,” tweeted Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson while today’s current crop of pop stars also expressed their love.
I’m very broken up to hear about my friend Glen Campbell. An incredible musician and an even better person. I’m at a loss. Love & Mercy.
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 8, 2017
Miss you already #GlenCampbell pic.twitter.com/CvS8dWW1Wk
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) August 8, 2017
So sad that Glen Campbell has passed such a legend. #ripglencampbell #rhinestonecowboy pic.twitter.com/EDC9LdKhAu
— kevin jonas (@kevinjonas) August 8, 2017
A native of Arkansas, Campbell’s loss was felt amongst fellow Arkansan, former President Bill Clinton, and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
Glen Campbell was an iconic American artist & fellow Arkansan. His legacy will be his great talent & how he decided to live with Alzheimers.
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) August 9, 2017
Glen Campbell was one of the great entertainers and musicians of our time. Sad to learn of death of a great Arkansan and American.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) August 8, 2017
Campbell, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in June 2011, is survived by Kim, his wife of 35 years, daughters Ashley, Debbie and Kelli and sons Cal, Dylan, Kane, Shannon, and Travis.
For more information on Alzheimer’s and what you can do to help fight this terrible disease, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org.
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(Photo Credit: CBS Television)