Country star Hal Ketchum has died at the age of 67 due to complications of dementia.
The singer, who found fame in the ’90s with critically acclaimed album “Past The Point of Rescue,” passed away at home.
His wife Andrea shared the sad news on his Facebook page, writing: “With great sadness and grief we announce that Hal passed away peacefully last night at home due to complications of dementia.
“May his music live on forever in your hearts and bring you peace. Andrea.”
In 1998 he was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, an ailment of the spinal column, which forced him to relearn basic tasks, including how to walk and play the guitar.
He continued to record and would often hit the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
He sold over five million records in his career, with his most famous songs “Small Town Saturday Night” and “Hearts Are Gonna Roll.”
However, in 2019 his wife announced he was suffering from early on-set senile dementia and would no longer be touring.
“Dementia is an exhausting and confusing illness and now it’s time for Hal to stay home with loved ones,” she shared, adding that he was happy to be at home with friends and family.
The family organized a benefit concert in January 2020 to help with medical bills and raised over $20,000.
“Hal has sung his last tune for us on this earthly plane of existence,” read the description.
“He can no longer tour or make records to support his family. Now it’s time for us to step up and help with the almost insurmountable medical bills and living expenses that are piling up.”
Hal had become an addict at the age of 15 after losing him mom to MS, starting with alcohol and moving on to drugs including cocaine.
He became sober in 1997 after spending a month at the Betty Ford clinic.
He married his wife Andrea in 2014.
