Glen Campbell Reveals Alzheimer's Diagnosis

By Kiki Von Glinow Posted Jun 22nd 2011 11:04AM

'Rhinestone Cowboy' singer, Glen Campbell, may have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's but that won't keep the 75-year-old country crooner from his music, People reports. He may just need a little extra help when it comes to remembering his famed lyrics.

"Glen is still an awesome guitar player and singer," his wife, Kim, told People. "But if he flubs a lyric or gets confused on stage, I wouldn't want people to think, 'What's the matter with him? Is he drunk?'"

A conclusion that the couple wanted to avoid by going public with Campbell's disease. But in lieu of his diagnosis, the singer does not seem to be slowing down. The chart-topping Grammy-winner is hoping to organize a farewell tour with a full schedule of live performances kicking off this fall.

"I still love making music," Campbell said. "And I still love performing for my fans. I'd like to thank them for sticking with me through thick and thin."

We have no doubt that Campbell's concert goers will be more than happy to help the country legend out if he stumbles on stage.

Tags: glen campbell

Comments

(60)

Wednesday 22 June

By BLONDIE & GRUMPY

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When Glen Campbell lived here in Arizona, I had the pleasure of playing a round of Golf with him; he was and is beyond an engaging person; we had breadfast, and throughout it he told story after story; he had everyone laughing, from the waiters to staff he was extremely kind; he ate a meal that was big enough for three people and laughed all the way thru... I was the member, but he insisted on leaving the tip and it was large! I've never played a round of golf before or since then that was as pleasureable as that day! My best wishes are with you Glen and my thoughts and prayers!

By Ron

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I must have it too cause I can't remember who he was?

Monday 27 June

By FCONTITWO

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Dear Glenn,,,,please remember "Today Is Mine ",,,God love you always you great one you. :) Frank Conti

By Lisa

It is sad news to hear. His beautiful voice and songs enriched my
younger years. My heartfelt sympathy for all who have this disease and for their caregivers who suffer along with them. Glen, you blessed us with your voice. May your last days, months or years be spent in safety with those who love and care about you.

By Carlos

Glen you did a lot more good than harm in this world, you brought Music to a lot of ears....May God be with you, Blessing for you and your family .. NO one can play a Banjo like you ... again Blessings

By B

"But in lieu of his diagnosis, the singer does not seem to be slowing down." Probably the only person to do this, but what the hell does that sentence even mean? To translate for people who don't believe in dictionaries, that would be "instead of his diagnosis, the singer ...." Try "in spite of" next time?

By Bianca

Good for you. I was going to say the same thing. Maybe PopEater should give literacy tests to its writers.

Friday 23 September

By Phil-67

An amazing singer and guitarist who handily played the solid body electric guitar behind his head like Hendrix. I had the "good fortune" to personally witness his many incredible talents when I saw him perform about 10 years ago with his lovely daughter. An early advocate of the Ovation brand (round back) guitar, and a past member of The Beach Boys band!

By Carole

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My husband has Alzheimer's and I took care of him alone, until I had a stroke. Fortunately, I pulled out of it. I placed him in a lovely small care facility. He has to be bathed, dressed, fed, diapers changed, and yet there are those out there who dis me for not keeping him at home. They say they would never place a loved one in a home. I tell them "Don't talk the talk unless you've walked the walk". Good luck to you and your wife, Glenn.

By PWT

I ache for him, but I especially ache for his care givers. I have seen many people suffer from Alzheimers disease,and I have sen the care givers. It takes both a physical toll, and an emotional toll on these very special people. God bless you all!

By Pat

Been a fan since my teen years - and I will be 55 soon,
I wish you all the very best Glen, and may you stay well
and enjoy many years with your family - Stay well - all the best.
God Bless you. Thank you for your music.

By Rhett C. Bowling

I couldn't of said it any better Pat. I think it was 1966 when I heard Glens songs on the radio. It was new and fresh and people were eating it up. Everybody listened too and liked Glen Campbell. I thought he did real well in True Grit. He was a natural.

By Steven R. Russell

My prayers go with you and Kim, Glen.

I just returned from a trip to Panama, where I visited my Retired Missionary Pilot Father, the Rev. James F. Russell.

I can clearly recall, when as a boy, on Ailigandi, San Blas Islands, where the Baptist Missionary Hospital was located, playing your songs, on 45 RPM Records, on a portable record player, for the Kuna Indians there to listen to.

It was my pleasure to do so.

God speed, Glen, and hope to see you in Glory.

By EAST COAST

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES GLEN... FOR SOME WHO DO NOT KNOW GLEN PLAYED STUDEO [BACKUP] BEFORE HE WENT OUT ON HIS OWN. HE WAS CONSIDERED THE BEST STUDEO PLAYER.

By Ozmom

I am very sorry to hear of this. He is a talented man. I wish him and his family the best. My prayers will be with them.

**To the editors..."In lieu of" means in place of. In this article, I think the writer meant, "Despite his diagnosis."

By dave7437

i always like him for his soups especially chicken noodle

By gail

I loved Glenns Music since day one.I still listen to him on my Mp3 player.Dont give up & give it all u got.My thoughts are with u i have copd & i live my life till i cant give it my bset shot.

By hanna

So very sorry. Glen you are one of the best. love all around

By Felicia

His songs were and still are very wonderful. Those sounds used to fill our house.

By debvikingsfan

Ronald Reagan-reformed alcoholic.
Glenn Campbell-reformed alcoholic.
and too many ore to list. So is alcholic behavior related to alzheimers's??

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