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Country music legend Glen Campbell dies at 81

Country singer Glen Campbell has died after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Country singer Glen Campbell has died after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Photo: AP

Legendary country singer Glen Campbell, famous for hits such as Wichita Lineman and Rhinestone Cowboy, has died in Nashville aged 81.

Campbell’s publicist Sandy Brokaw announced the singer’s death on Wednesday morning in Nashville. No cause was immediately given.

“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,” a statement on his website read.

“In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Glen Campbell Memorial Fund at BrightFocus Foundation through the CareLiving.org donation page.

“The family appreciates your prayers and respect for their privacy at this time.”

Campbell revealed in June 2011 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and that it was in its early stages at the time.

He was a star of the late 1960s and ’70s, selling more than 45 million records. He had 12 gold albums and 75 chart hits.

The grinning music legend co-starred with John Wayne in the 1969 movie True Grit and had a weekly audience of some 50 million people for the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on American television from 1969 to 1972.

Campbell released his final album Adios in June.

Glen is survived by his wife, Kim Campbell and their three children Cal, Shannon and Ashley, his children from previous marriages Debby, Kelli, Travis, Kane and Dillon, as well as 10 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sisters Barbara, Sandra, and Jane, and brothers John Wallace “Shorty” and Gerald.

It is understood his wife will soon release a statement.

– with AAP

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