The Rhinestone Cowboy, Glen Campbell, dies aged 81
Glen Campbell, the iconic country music singer who once outsold The Beatles, has died at the age of 81.
Known for his 1975 hit Rhinestone Cowboy, Campbell succumbed to a "long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease," a statement from his representatives said.
Campbell released more than 70 albums over a 50-year career and at one stage outsold The Beatles at the height of his fame in 1968.
He made history a year earlier by winning four Grammys in the country and pop categories.
Other hits of Campbell's included Galveston and Wichita Lineman.
Country music superstar Dolly Parton released a video tribute to Campbell.
"Glen Campbell was special because he was so gifted," she said.
"He is one of the greatest voices that ever was in the business. He was a wonderful session musician as well.
"He could play anything and he could play it well. He was just extremely, talented."
After he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2011, Campbell assured his fans he would continue to perform and thanked them for sticking by him.
"I still love making music and I still love performing for my fans," he said at the time.
"I'd like to thank them for sticking with me through thick and thin."
He is survived by his wife Kim Campbell and three children Cal, Shannon and Ashley and his children from previous marriages, Debby, Kelli, Travis, Kane, and Dillon; ten grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren.
