Glen Campbell, Rhinestone Cowboy singer, dies aged 81

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Campbell's publicist Sandy Brokaw confirmed the singer died Tuesday morning in Nashville
Late star announced in June 2011 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and that it was in its early stages at that time
Campbell was one of the biggest stars of the late 1960s and 1970s.
He sold more than 45 million records, had 12 gold albums and 75 chart hits
Stars including Dolly Parton, Brian Wilson, and Sheryl Crow paid tribute to the music legend on Twitter

Published: 16:45 EDT, 8 August 2017 | Updated: 03:30 EDT, 9 August 2017

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Glen Campbell, the grinning, high-pitched entertainer who had such hits as Rhinestone Cowboy and spanned country, pop, television and movies, has died at the age of 81.

Campbell's publicist Sandy Brokaw confirmed the singer died Tuesday morning in Nashville.

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.

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Gone but not forgotten: Glen Campbell, the grinning, high-pitched entertainer who had such hits as Rhinestone Cowboy and spanned country, pop, television and movies, has died aged 81 (seen here in 2012)

The late star's family released a statement, saying: '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.'

'Glen is survived by his wife, Kim Campbell of Nashville, their three children, Cal, Shannon and Ashley; his children from previous marriages, Debby, Kelli, Travis, Kane, and Dillon; ten grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren; sisters Barbara, Sandra, and Jane; and brothers John Wallace "Shorty" and Gerald.

His heartbroken daughter Ashley paid an emotional tribute to her father, saying he was 'everything I ever will be'

Heartfelt: His heartbroken daughter Ashley paid an emotional tribute to her father, saying he was 'everything I ever will be'

Sharing a photo of herself holding her father's hand she wrote 'Heartbroken. I owe him everything I am, and everything I ever will be. He will be remembered so well and with so much love.'

Campbell was one of the biggest stars of the late 1960s and 1970s. He sold more than 45 million records, had 12 gold albums and 75 chart hits.

He 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 CBS from 1969 to 1972.

Legend: Campbell was one of the biggest stars of the late 1960s and 1970s. He sold more than 45 million records, had 12 gold albums and 75 chart hits

His family released a statement that day: '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 came from the small town of Billstown, Arkansas, which to this day has a population of just over 2000 souls.

Campbell was the seventh son of a sharecropping family, which boasted 12 children in total.

He began playing guitar as a boy and was inspired by Django Reinhart before dropping out of school when he was just 14 years of age.

He moved to Wyoming and played at various local bars before moving to Los Angeles and landing a gig with famous session musician group The Wrecking Crew.

Chops till the end: Glen seen here performing in Georgia in 2012 a year after revealing his battle with Alzheimer's

Actor too! Glen had a role in 1969 Western True Grit alongside silver screen legend John Wayne

Outpouring: Fellow country legend Dolly Parton paid tribute to the star

A friend through dark times: Brian Wilson remembered the star fondly; In 1964 Brian of The Beach Boys had a nervous breakdown and asked Campbell to replace him on tour

In 1964 Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys had a nervous breakdown and asked Campbell to replace him on tour.

Brian wrote on Twitter: 'I'm very broken up to hear about my friend Glen Campbell. An incredible musician and an even better person. I'm at a loss. Love & Mercy. (sic)'

He had his first hit By the Time I Get to Phoenix in 1967. His career went from strength to strength with hits like Rhinestone Cowboy, Country Boy (You Got Your Feet in L.A., and Southern Nights.

He sold more than 45 million records, had 12 gold albums and 75 chart hits.

In 2011, at the age of 75, Campbell revealed he was battling Alzheimer's disease.

Survivors: He is survived by his eight children and fourth wife Kimberly Woolen (pictured here in 2012)

Family portrait: Glen and Kim posed with children Shanon Campbell and Ashley Campbell in the Wonderwall.com Portrait Studio during 2012 CMT Music awards at the Bridgestone Arena