Country singer Hal Ketchum has Alzheimer's disease, performed 'as long as it was possible'
Country singer Hal Ketchum, best known for songs including "Small Town Saturday Night" and "Past the Point of Rescue," has Alzheimer's disease/dementia, his wife, Andrea, revealed in a Facebook post on his certified page over the weekend.
"He has been battling this for some time now, but because of his love for his fans, he continued performing as long as it was possible," she wrote. "Dementia is an exhausting and confusing illness and now it's time for Hal to stay home with loved ones.
Hal is otherwise healthy and happy, enjoying time with his family and friends."
The post explained the family realized people were speculating as to why Ketchum had no future tour dates and wanted to be forthcoming with the cause.
"We all deeply appreciate how much love that you all have for Hal and how much his music means to you!" his wife said before thanking the musicians who performed with her husband as the disease took hold.
"Also, a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible musicians that have joined him on this journey, with more than special love to Kenny Grimes, without whom, this last year of shows would not have been possible," she said.
His wife told his Facebook followers that she read all of their comments to the Grand Ole Opry member and that they would continue to check his page.
"Lots of love and appreciation to you all from Hal and the entire Ketchum family," she wrote in closing.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Country singer Hal Ketchum has Alzheimer's disease, performed 'as long as it was possible'
