ROCK OF AGES
THE BELOVED SINGER’S WIFE AND DAUGHTER CARRY ON HIS MESSAGE OF HOPE
A new photo book captures iconic musicians in some of their most candid moments.
It seems fitting that several items were auctioned off in Glen Campbell’s honor at the recent Open Hearts Gala 2017 in Beverly Hills. The legendary musician, who died in August at the age of 81, always opened up his heart, whether he was singing one of his classic hits like “Wichita Lineman” or discussing his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, which tragically took his life. “He would be very happy that he inspired people to incite change, especially in the Alzheimer’s community, and to find a cure,” his daughter Ashley, 30, tells Closer.
The Open Hearts Foundation, which sponsored the event, is a nonprofit charity that helps empower people to turn adversity into opportunities to assist others. “Glen was a recipient of the award in 2012,” his widow, Kim, 58, shares with Closer. “He loved the Open Hearts philosophy, and he embodied it.” Jane Seymour, who co-created the organization, was a friend of Glen’s and executive-produced the Oscar-nominated 2014 documentary Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me.
Kim is continuing her late husband’s tradition of good works by starting the CareLiving foundation. “We’re trying to provide hope, inspiration and real-world help to caregivers” of Alzheimer’s patients, she says. “It’s a heartbreaking illness — it’s tough on families and really expensive to get help.”
Meanwhile, Glen’s music lives on: He’s nominated for musical event of the year with Willie Nelson for “Funny How Time Slips Away” at the CMA Awards on Nov. 8, and Ashley will perform a tribute to her dad at the C2C Country Music Festival in London in March. What would Glen have wanted his legacy to be? “Music, of course,” says Ashley, “And also bringing this disease that was once in the shadows to light.” — Bruce Fretts, with
reporting by Amanda Champagne-Meadows
“God gives everybody a chance. It took me a long time to pick up on that. I’ve just been blessed.”
— Glen