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Glen Campbell Cancels Australian Tour With Kenny Rogers

Tim Mosenfelder, Getty Images

Country-pop legend Glen Campbell has been forced to cancel his Australian tour next month as the special guest of fellow superstar Kenny Rogers. The cause, according to Australia's Gympie Times newspaper, is Glen's continuing battle with Alzheimer's disease.

A press statement, released on Monday (July 16), confirmed the cancellation. At the time the tour was first announced, a statement was issued noting that "so far, this has not affected his performances." The paper says it is believed the Alzheimer's had progressed to the point where the Country Music Hall of Fame member is now unfit to travel.

According to Kenny Rogers' website, several Australian country artists will replace the ailing entertainer, including John Williamson, Beccy Cole, Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley and Sara Storer. During an interview, when asked about Glen's cancellation of the tour, Kenny declined to comment.

Glen first disclosed his battle with Alzheimer's in June 2011. He embarked on his Goodbye tour shortly after releasing his final album, the critically-acclaimed Ghost on the Canvas, in August of that year. In an exclusive interview with The Boot, the Arkansas-born entertainer said that making the album "had me grinnin' like a dog passin' peach seeds."

In spite of not being able to return there to tour, Australia once gave the "Rhinestone Cowboy" his first introduction to a talented performer from Down Under. In 2008, Glen recalled his initial encounter with future country superstar Keith Urban.

"When I first met him, he came to my concert in Australia," Glen told AOL Music. "He was about 8 years old, and he said, 'Mr. Campbell, when I grow up I'm gonna play guitar and sing.' And look at him! He's a great songwriter, he's the best guitar player in the world probably, and he's married to one of the most beautiful women in the world ... that's fabulous."

The Boot sends our best wishes to Glen Campbell and his family.

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23 Comments

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pkrfan

My dad died from Alzheimer's. when he was 76. It's a real devastating sight to see someone you love die that way. I recently saw Glen Campbell in concert (June 2012) and am still amazed at how supportive his family was, especially his daughter Ashley. Don't ever give up or give in to this disease. Good luck to him and his family.

July 26 2012 at 11:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lily Gardener

His younger wife is committing elder abuse by forcing him to perform in the US in a schedule that would make a young, healthy man tired.She must be trying to squeeze the last dime out of his live body and at the same time promote the childrens band who perform with him. Let us remember Glen as he was, a dynamic performer with a wonderful sense of humor. Stop parading this sick man out on stage...let him relax in the peace and security of his home. If playing the guitar is helpful to his condition...let him do so for his friends and family. "Good Christians" as Kim claims to be, have mercy on the ill. He's given her a fantastic life style..she can at least let him enjoy the last of his days in a pleasant and relaxing manner, not being carted from city to city on a tour bus.

July 18 2012 at 4:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marilyn

I first saw and heard Glen Campbell in Santa Monica California when he was the
unknown opening act for Helen Reddy (I am woman fame). It was so apparent at
that concert that he was destined to be a star. I just saw him perform on the Ellen
Degeneris show with his children in his band. There are so many of us that have
enjoyed his music over the years. God bless Glen and his family as they work together during this difficult time.

July 18 2012 at 1:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Carol

Why don't you read his book Rhinestone Cowboy? That isn't what happened at all -- stop spreading lies.

July 18 2012 at 1:17 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Wallace G. Todd

Many have forgotten that Glenn Campbell wooed Mac Davis' wife away from him and then dumped her.

July 18 2012 at 12:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Wallace G. Todd's comment
Carol

Why don't you read his book Rhinestone Cowboy? That isn't what happened at all -- stop spreading lies.

July 18 2012 at 12:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kscoradio

Think it was 60 minutes but can't be sure. Some doctor was treating her husband with coconut oil and it really eased his symptoms. Not sure if it was for Alzheimers or dementia and don't know the difference personally, so best check it out with Google.

July 17 2012 at 11:34 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
surroundingsint

Please let Glen rest and enjoy what is left of his life.. Why does the family keep old and ailing singers on the road? Saw George Jones not long ago and it was pathetic and sad.. Has enough money not been made on these people????

July 17 2012 at 11:20 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
crazy ray

The man should not be performing.

July 17 2012 at 11:12 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
brennemanbelkin

Met Glenn in the early eighties. One of the nicest people you would ever want to meet.
God bless you Glenn.

July 17 2012 at 11:10 PM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
skidkid6119

My wife and I recently had the opportunity to see Glen Campbell preform in Las Vegas. and you could not help seeing that Glen was effected by the Alzheimer's disease during his performance. Best wishes to him.

July 17 2012 at 10:26 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to skidkid6119's comment
devinmcmusters

"Affected" not "effected".

July 18 2012 at 1:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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