He received the diagnosis six months ago and went public with it now because Campbell is scheduled to begin his farewell tour – in support of what he says will be his final album, Ghost on the Canvas, due August 30 – and the Campbells want people to be aware of Glen’s condition.
“Glen is still an awesome guitar player and singer,” 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?’”
Campbell battled an addiction to alcohol for many years, but reports say he has been sober for years.
The country star, who is a professing Christian, has released more than 50 studio albums, has had multiple number one hits – including “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Southern Nights” and “Wichita Lineman,” – won eight Grammy Awards and three Dove Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
During an interview in 1998, Campbell was asked, “Was your ultimate goal to become a recording, touring artist?” to which he responded, “Well, I don't really know. My ultimate goal is to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, and then see God. That's my ultimate goal.”
Glen Campbell, John Galliano, Ryan Dunn
• Glen Campbell has Alzheimer’s disease — and plans a farewell concert tour this fall. The ’60s country-pop crossover star, 75, disclosed his diagnosis to People so fans would understand his situation, said his wife, Kim: “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?’”
• In a Paris court Wednesday, John Galliano blamed his anti-Semitic rant on a “triple addiction” (booze, barbiturates, sleeping pills) that he said has twice put him into rehab. The designer, on trial for hate-speech charges, apologized for the February cafe confrontation that got him fired from Dior, reports AP. Prosecutors are seeking a fine of at least $14,000.
• Ryan Dunn, the “Jackass” player who had just launched a new stunt-centric TV show, was drunk when he crashed his car in West Goshen, Pa., Monday, killing himself and a friend. Police told the Daily Local his blood-alcohol content was nearly two and a half times the state’s legal limit.
Glen Campbell Reveals Battle With Alzheimer's Disease
Music legend Glen Campbell has announced he's suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The 75-year-old singer of such country classics as 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and 'Wichita Lineman' got the diagnosis about six months ago, though he's been experiencing short-term memory loss for several years now.
Campbell is refusing to let the degenerative disorder slow him down. He's going full speed ahead with plans for a fall farewell tour in support of his final album, 'Ghost on the Canvas,' slated for release later this summer.
"Glen is still an awesome guitar player and singer," his wife Kim tells People magazine. "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?'"
"I still love making music. And I still love performing for my fans," Campbell insists. "I'd like to thank them for sticking with me through thick and thin."
