Kim Woolen, Glen Campbell’s wife, has revealed some shocking news about her husband.
During a recent interview with PEOPLE, Kim explained that Glen will more than likely never be able to perform again. “He can’t even tune a guitar now. If I tune one and hand it to him he can still play, [but] not like he used to,” Woolen said at the Open Hearts Foundation’s 4th Annual Gala on Saturday.
The Rhinestone Cowboy singer announced that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in the summer of 2011. At that point, he was still hopeful that he would be able to continue performing. “I still love making music,” Glen said at the time of his announcement. “And I still love performing for my fans. I’d like to thank them for sticking with me through thick and thin.”
The couple wanted his fans to be aware of his condition, which is why they chose to reveal his diagnosis. While Glen was hoping to perform, his condition has sadly advanced quickly and has led to him now having to live in a memory-care facility.
Despite living away from his family, Glen is hardly ever alone. Kim is by his side as much as possible, and tries to help him remember the things he is quickly forgetting. “It’s a very nurturing place … [and] he feels secure there,” Kim said. “I sit with him through his meals … we hug each other and cuddle. I savor every day.”
The couple has three children together, and they all have tried to remain as optimistic as possible during this trying time. “There’s a lot of sadness,” she admitted, “we just continue to try to make the best of every day and keep a sense of humor.”
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