Country music icon Glen Campbell dies aged 81

Glen Campbell, the country music star who had a string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, has died.

The music icon had ben battling Alzheimer’s disease, which he had announced publicly in 2011. He was 81.

A statement from the family said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather."

A self-taught musician and songwriter, the Arkansas-born Campbell went on to sell 45 million records across 70 albums and amassed nine Grammy awards.

His best known hits include 1975's Rhinestone Cowboy, Honey Come Back (1970) and All I Have To Do Is Dream, released in 1969. 

He also made a foray into acting, most notably in the film True Grit alongside John Wayne.

In June this year, Campbell's final album, Adios, was released, featuring twelve songs from his final 2012-13 sessions. It reached Number 3 on the Official UK Albums Chart. 

MORE: View Glen Campbell full Official UK Chart history

Campbell also embarked on a final tour during that period of sessions, which ended in 2012. This period was filmed for the 2014 documentary Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me. The film featured the last song Campbell recorded, titled I’m Not Gonna Miss You, which was written about Campbell’s struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Music stars have been paying tribute to the singer on social media, including Sheryl Crow, Ringo Starr and Dolly Parton, who said Campbell had "one of the greatest voices of all time". Watch her video message and more below:

Glen Campbell was one of the greatest voices of all time. I will always love you, Glen! pic.twitter.com/LQFEWA42lF

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 8, 2017

God bless and peace and love to Glen Campbell thanks for the music The real rhinestone cowboy and love to all his family 😎✌️🌟💖🎵🎶👏☮️

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 9, 2017

Huge loss in the world of music today. Rest In Peace, Glen Campbell. https://t.co/vexA1kYixX

— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) August 8, 2017

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.

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 8, 2017

Very sad to see Glen Campbell go after a long goodbye. He and his music will always be with us. Thanks, Glen. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/bTOi68SW5j

— Clint Black (@Clint_Black) August 9, 2017

We say goodbye to the great Glen Campbell. But in out hearts we know that the Wichita lineman is still on the line

— Simon Le Bon (@SimonJCLeBON) August 9, 2017

Lost another great one today. Thoughts and prayers going out to the Campbell family. #glencampbell #rhinestonecowboy pic.twitter.com/XRQySY01pm

— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) August 9, 2017

Article image: Rex