Wife Reveals Country Legend's Tragic Struggle with Alzheimer’s

When it comes to country music, few names are as well-known and revered as Glen Campbell. His wistful murmuring voice and legendary talent on the guitar have kept fans riveted for decades. Some of Glen Campbell’s timeless tracks include ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’, ‘Southern Nights’ and ‘Wichita Lineman.’

Celebrated as both a critical and commercial success, Glen is hailed as a maestro in the music industry, having released everything from chart topping rodeo country music to wistful ballads. However, several years ago, Glen and his wife, Kim, began to withdraw from the public eye. After several years of secrecy, Kim has finally spoken out about her husband’s retreat from superstardom.

Confirming what many fans had begun to suspect, Kim revealed that her husband had been diagnosed with a debilitating disease. It at all started when Kim noticed her husband acting differently, obsessing over menial chores and asking obvious questions. When Glen got lost on the way home from his local golf course, Kim began to fear the worst.

In a horrifying turn of events, the loving wife found out that Glen was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease that can cause losses in memory and general confusion. Despite the devastating prognosis, Kim refused to be beaten down by the news, moving to Nashville with husband so the couple could spend more time with their children.

After spending three years as her husband’s primary caregiver, Glen was moved to a longer-term health care institution. Tragically, Glen’s cognitive functions have continued to deteriorate since his relocation and at times, he can’t even play his beloved guitar. Despite taking away his music, Alzheimer’s has not robbed Glenn of his passion and deep abiding love of life with Kim describing his nonverbal attempts to play ‘air guitar’, saying: "It's not a melody that we recognize, but you can tell that it's a happy song and he has a song in his heart."

Despite the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s Disease, Glen’s has refused to give in without a fight. A documentary detailing his struggle was accompanied by a Grammy-winning song called “I’m Not Gonna Miss You.” In the lead-up to his eighty-first birthday, Glen has revealed that he will be releasing one last album, sardonically entitled ‘Adios’.

Source: Faithtap
Photos: Faithtap