Glen Campbell — Silenced In His Sad Last Days

Glen Campbell has had his voice silenced forever by Alzheimer’s! The country crooner — who went public with his battle against the brutal disease in 2011 — has entered the final phase of the mind-robbing condition. Glen’s wife, Kim, has revealed he’s lost the power of speech!

“He’s healthy, he’s content," said Kim, the fourth wife of the beloved pop star. "He’s lost most of his ability to communicate verbally,. He has severe aphasia [impairment of language], but he still understands the universal language of smiles and kisses, and he enjoys food.”

Glen, who'll hopefully celebrate his 80th birthday on April 22, went on a final tour a few years ago to treat audiences to hits like “Gentle on My Mind,” “Wichita Lineman”  and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.” Despite his ongoing Alzheimer’s battle, Glen performed 152 concerts over two years. He frequently played sold-out halls as millions of adoring fans said farewell to their idol.

Then, when the disease progressed in the beginning of 2014, Kim made a decision to move Glen to a care facility in Nashville, Tenn., so he could get around-the-clock attention. A battle with the two oldest of the star’s eight children ensued. Now, with the end in sight, the family has made peace. The crooner has been moved back home so he can be surrounded by loved ones.

“He doesn’t really recognize me anymore,” said daughter Ashley Campbell, 29. “He recognizes me as someone that he loves, but he doesn’t really know who I am.”

Kim, 57, who’s been wed to Glen for 33 years, said all they can do is keep a positive attitude and treasure the time they have left with Glen. “Our family chose to rally together in love and laughter and to support one another,” she says, “and try to make the best of each day and cherish every moment that you have together!"