Glen Campbell, an icon of Nashville and a beloved figure in country music, continues to be honored and remembered by his family and fans years after his passing. Despite battling Alzheimer’s disease in his later years, Campbell’s legacy as one of the greatest country artists of all time remains untarnished. His widow, Kim Campbell, has played a significant role in preserving his memory, creating the Glen Campbell Museum in his honor.
The museum, located in Nashville, showcases memorabilia from Campbell’s illustrious career and features a performance venue named the Rhinestone Stage, paying homage to his hit song “Rhinestone Cowboy.” Kim Campbell believes that this venue will help keep country music alive in Nashville for generations to come, ensuring that Glen’s influence continues to resonate.
His wife Kimberly Woollen stood by his side throughout his life, embodying unwavering love and support until the end. For Kim and their three children – Cal, Ashley, and Shannon – coping with Glen’s decline and eventual passing was a challenging journey. As Alzheimer’s disease took its toll on Glen, his family stood by him, offering love and support throughout his struggle. While his passing brought a sense of peace, the grieving process was not easy for those left behind.
Kim found solace in the creation of the museum, channeling her grief into a project that celebrates Glen’s life and musical legacy. Meanwhile, their children have pursued their own paths in the music industry, each carving out their own successful careers. Cal’s work as a studio musician reflects his father’s early days, while Shannon’s rock-and-roll band pays homage to her musical roots. Ashley, on the other hand, has followed in her father’s footsteps most closely, establishing herself as a solo country artist.
Glen Travis Campbell, an American country singer, guitarist, songwriter, and actor, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his string of hit songs spanning the 1960s and 1970s. Born on April 22, 1936, in Billstown, Arkansas, Campbell’s talent and charisma propelled him to stardom, earning him widespread acclaim.
He became a household name as the host of The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS television from 1969 to 1972, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Throughout his career spanning over six decades, Campbell captivated audiences with his soulful voice and masterful guitar skills, solidifying his status as a country music icon.
Despite his professional success, Campbell’s personal life was marked by several marriages and divorces. He was married four times, first to Diane Marie Kirk from 1955 to 1959, followed by Billie Jean Nunley from 1959 to 1976, Sarah Barg Davis from 1976 to 1980, and finally to Kimberly Woollen from 1982 until his passing. His relationships were accompanied by challenges and complexities, yet they also brought him nine children, including his daughter Ashley, who would later follow in his footsteps as a musician.
Campbell’s legacy as a groundbreaking artist and beloved family man endures, with his contributions to music continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide even after his death on August 8, 2017, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 81. He rests in the Campbell family cemetery in Billstown, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
As the Glen Campbell Museum stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, his family continues to honor his memory through their own musical endeavors. Though he may be gone, Glen Campbell’s impact on country music and the lives of those who loved him will never be forgotten. He rests in the Campbell family cemetery in Billstown, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
