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Glen Campbell, superstar entertainer of 1960s and ’70s, dies

FILE - In this July 27, 2011 photo, musician Glen Campbell poses for a portrait in Malibu, Calif. Recorded before Alzheimer’s disease took his singing voice, Glen Campbell’s last album “Adios” was therapeutic for the legendary performer. Campbell, known for his hits such as “Wichita Lineman” and “Gentle on My Mind,” was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011. His farewell tour was captured in an Oscar-nominated documentary called “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me.” (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)
FILE - In this July 27, 2011 photo, musician Glen Campbell poses for a portrait in Malibu, Calif. Recorded before Alzheimer’s disease took his singing voice, Glen Campbell’s last album “Adios” was therapeutic for the legendary performer. Campbell, known for his hits such as “Wichita Lineman” and “Gentle on My Mind,” was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011. His farewell tour was captured in an Oscar-nominated documentary called “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me.” (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

By Associated Press 7 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Glen Campbell, the affable superstar singer of “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Wichita Lineman” whose appeal spanned country, pop, television and movies, died Tuesday, his family said. He was 81.

Campbell’s family said the singer died Tuesday morning in Nashville and publicist Sandy Brokaw confirmed the news. No cause was immediately given. Campbell announced in June 2011 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and that it was in its early stages at that time.

“Glen is one of the greatest voices there ever was in the business and he was one of the greatest musicians,” said Dolly Parton in a video statement. “He was a wonderful session musician as well. A lot of people don’t realize that. But he could play anything and he could play it really well.”

Tributes poured in on social media. “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,” wrote Charlie Daniels. One of Campbell’s daughters, Ashley, said she was 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 on Twitter.