Glen Campbell Dying? Cancels Tour

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  • Glen Campbell
    (Photo: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)
    Glen Campbell sings ''Rhinestone Cowboy'' during his tribute at the 54th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California February 12, 2012.
By Emma Koonse , Christian Post Reporter
July 19, 2012|1:27 pm

Country music legend Glen Campbell has canceled his Australian "Goodbye Tour" due to his Alzheimer's diagnosis and worsening health conditions.

Making matters worse, the tour which extended into New Zealand, would have required the 76-year-old to travel long distances.

"The long flight would have been too taxing for him," said Campbell's representative on Wednesday, according to CNN.

The disease is in early stages, and Campbell released his final album, "Ghost on the Canvas," last fall. Also, the singer continues to deliver smooth performances, his family explained to CNN. Despite still performing in the U.S., Campbell sometimes appears disoriented due to his Alzheimer's.

"He looks at me sometimes if he is confused, and I just smile at him," explained his daughter, Ashley, who plays the keyboard, banjo, and violin alongside her father on stage. "I just try to make him feel like he is surrounded by people that love him on stage."

Many people have expressed concern for the beloved singer, including Facebook user Kat who wrote: "Sorry to hear you had to cancel your tour dates… It truly saddens me, to hear of the challenges you are coping with."

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"Hope that you get better soon," wrote Saul.

A country music Hall of Famer, Campbell set out on his world tour last year, shortly after he publicly announced his Alzheimer's diagnosis.

The "Rhinestone Cowboy" singer will finish the final show along his U.S. tour, including six more shows this month and two in October, according to his representative.

Kenny Rogers also headlines on the "Goodbye Tour." He will continue to perform as scheduled during the kick off on Aug. 10 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Many Australian artists will also perform along the tour.

The five-time Grammy Award-winner joined the Beach Boys as a fill-in, but released his first solo record in 1962. His career took off in 1967 with two hit songs, "Gentle on My Mind" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix."

On top of performing at this year's Grammy Awards, Campbell received the Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award.

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