Hal Ketchum has passed away Monday after battling Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He was 67.
Ketchum’s wife, Andrea, announced his death on Facebook Tuesday. She wrote, “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 added.
Ketchum was best known for his songs like Small Town Saturday Night and Past the Point of Rescue.
Last year in April, Andrea revealed that Ketchum had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, which forced him to retire from his performing career.
At the time, Andrea said “I know everyone is wondering why there are no future tour dates, and speculations as to the reason. Our family would like to share the cause for this.”
“Unfortunately, Hal is suffering from Alzheimer’s/dementia,” she added. “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 also said at the time that dementia is “an exhausting and confusing illness,” adding that it was time for Ketchum to “stay home with loved ones.”
“Hal is otherwise healthy and happy, enjoying time with his family and friends,” Andrea said last year. “We all deeply appreciate how much love that you all have for Hal and how much his music means to you!”
Born on April 9, 1953, in Greenwich, New York, Ketchum was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in January 1994.
According to his Opry bio, Ketchum “spent nearly 20 years as a carpenter and furniture builder before getting his break in the music business,” and he was a painter. Ketchum appeared in the 1988 film Heartbreak Hotel and also made a cameo appearance in the 1994 film Maverick.
