Rhinestone Cowboy singer Glen Campbell dead at 81

  • 09/08/2017
He died in Nashville, following a long and successful career.
He died in Nashville, following a long and successful career. Photo credit: Getty

Legendary country music singer Glen Campbell has died aged 81 after a battle with Alzheimer's.

Campbell died on Tuesday (local time) in Nashville, following a long and successful career.

"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," the singer's family said in a statement.

He began learning the guitar in his youth, and dropped out of school aged 14 to focus on his music.

He released more than 70 albums over a 50-year career and sold over 45 million records.

His hits include 'Gentle on My Mind,' 'Wichita Lineman,' 'Galveston,' 'Country Boy' and his best-selling single, 'Rhinestone Cowboy'.

He won four Grammys in 1967, and also starred in the variety show The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.

The 2014 documentary I'll Be Me documented Mr Campbell's final tour as he dealt with his Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Newshub.