Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 8), Glen Campbell’s family shared the sad news that he had died after a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Glen Travis Campbell, at the age of 81” was the Twitter post.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Glen Travis Campbell, at the age of 81 https://t.co/zSv4RqjK4H
— Glen Campbell (@GlenCampbell) August 8, 2017
His daughter, Ashley Campbell, quickly posted a poignant photo.
Heartbroken. I owe him everything I am, and everything I ever will be. He will be remembered so well and with so much love. pic.twitter.com/1Z8mm8Jzth
— Ashley Campbell (@ashcambanjo) August 8, 2017
And less than 10 minutes later, the country world started to respond to the news. And they haven’t stopped posting their heartfelt messages since.
Tim McGraw was one of the first artists to react to the news online.
Songs, songs, songs… Man, in a world of good stuff, his was great, in a world of great stuff, his was special! @GlenCampbell pic.twitter.com/9qexor9jX0
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) August 8, 2017
So was David Nail, who told me back in 2009 that Campbell’s 1969 album Galveston changed his life, and made him want to be a country singer.
RIP to my biggest idol. Glen Campbell! You're the finest singer I ever heard. A true #fighter !
— David Nail (@davidnail) August 8, 2017
Artists from all over the genre — the rookies and the legends — had the kindest words for the iconic country singer.