US country music veteran Glen Campbell, famous for hits like \"Rhinestone Cowboy,\" has Alzheimer\'s disease, the singer announced.
In an interview with People magazine, the 75-year-old and his wife Kim said they decided to go public because he plans a final series of concerts later this year and wants fans to know his condition.
"Glen is still an awesome guitar player and singer," she said. "But if he flubs a lyric or gets confused on stage, I wouldnât want people to think, \'What\'s the matter with him? Is he drunk?\'"
Campbell, whose other hits include "Gentle on my Mind," said he has suffered for years from short-term memory loss, but was diagnosed with Alzheimer\'s six months ago.
"I still love making music, and I still love performing for my fans," he said, adding: "I\'d like to thank them for sticking with me through thick and thin."
An estimated 18 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer\'s, the most common form of dementia.
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