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The Untold Devotion: Meet Glen Campbell's Four Wives And The Widow Who Fought His Final Battle

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The legendary career of Glen Campbell, the "Rhinestone Cowboy," was defined not just by his chart-topping hits but also by a tumultuous personal life marked by four marriages, each a chapter in a complex story of fame, struggle, and, ultimately, deep devotion. As of December 2025, the focus remains firmly on his fourth wife and devoted widow, Kimberly "Kim" Woolen Campbell, who has transformed her role as a caregiver into a powerful platform for Alzheimer's advocacy, sharing the intimate details of their life in her compelling memoir. This article delves into the lives of all four women, with a special focus on Kim Campbell's enduring legacy and her recent work to honor her late husband's memory.

Glen Campbell: A Complete Biographical Profile and Family Tree

Glen Travis Campbell (1936–2017) was one of the most successful crossover artists in music history, bridging the worlds of pop and country. His life was a whirlwind of professional success and personal challenges, including eight children from his four marriages.

  • Full Name: Glen Travis Campbell
  • Born: April 22, 1936, in Billstown, Arkansas, U.S.
  • Died: August 8, 2017 (aged 81), in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
  • Cause of Death: Alzheimer's disease.
  • Occupations: Singer, Musician, Songwriter, Actor, Television Host.
  • Notable Hits: "Rhinestone Cowboy," "Wichita Lineman," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Gentle on My Mind."
  • Marriages: 4
  • Children: 8

The Four Wives of Glen Campbell and Their Children

Glen Campbell was married four times. Each relationship, though varied in length, played a significant role in his life and family structure. The list below details his wives and the children born from each union:

  1. Diane Marie Kirk
    • Duration: Married 1955; Divorced 1959 (4 years).
    • Child: Debby Campbell.
  2. Billie Jean Nunley
    • Duration: Married 1959; Divorced 1976 (17 years).
    • Children: Kelli Glen Campbell, William Travis Campbell, and Wesley Kane Campbell.
  3. Sarah Barg Davis
    • Duration: Married 1976; Divorced 1980 (4 years). Sarah was the ex-wife of singer Mac Davis.
    • Child: Dillon Campbell.
  4. Kimberly "Kim" Woolen Campbell
    • Duration: Married 1982; Widowed 2017 (35 years).
    • Children: Cal Campbell, Shannon Campbell, and Ashley Campbell.

Kimberly Woolen Campbell: The Final Love and Devoted Caregiver

The story of Glen Campbell's fourth and final marriage to Kimberly "Kim" Woolen is a testament to unwavering commitment, enduring through the most challenging years of his life. Kim Campbell, born on April 3, 1959, is currently 66 years old in December 2025, and was 22 when she met the 45-year-old country superstar on a blind date in 1981. They married in 1982, beginning a 35-year partnership that would define the final, public chapter of Campbell's life.

Before meeting Glen, Kim Woolen was a dancer, notably performing as a Radio City Rockette in New York City. She quickly became the anchor in Campbell's often-turbulent life, helping him navigate periods of alcoholism and providing the stability that allowed him to continue his career. Their three children, Cal, Shannon, and Ashley, have all followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming accomplished musicians and often touring with him during his final years.

The Alzheimer's Battle and Public Advocacy

In 2011, Glen Campbell's family made the courageous decision to publicly disclose his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. This announcement marked the beginning of a powerful new chapter for Kim, one of advocacy and transparency. She insisted on allowing the disease to be filmed for the critically acclaimed 2014 documentary, Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me, which chronicled his farewell tour and the devastating effects of the illness.

Kim Campbell’s dedication during this time was extraordinary. She became his full-time caregiver, a role she has since championed globally. Her willingness to share the raw reality of Alzheimer's provided comfort and visibility to millions of families facing similar struggles. Her work has been instrumental in shifting public perception, showing that even a music legend is not immune to the disease.

"Gentle on My Mind": Kim Campbell's Memoir and Current Work

In a major update to her legacy, Kim Campbell released her memoir, *Gentle on My Mind: In Sickness and in Health With Glen Campbell*. The book provides a deeply personal and often heartbreaking account of their life together, from the highs of his career to the devastating decline caused by Alzheimer's. The title itself is a poignant nod to one of his most famous songs.

The memoir is not just a celebrity tell-all; it is a vital resource for caregivers. Kim candidly discusses the challenges of managing his behavior, the emotional toll of watching his memory fade, and the difficult decisions she had to make regarding his care. Her honesty has cemented her status as a leading voice in the caregiving community.

CareLiving.org and the Mission of Support

Today, Kim Campbell is an accomplished public speaker and the founder of CareLiving.org, a non-profit foundation dedicated to promoting the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of caregivers. Her mission is to encourage those caring for loved ones to prioritize their own health and find a "Care Living" balance.

Through her foundation and speaking engagements, Kim continues to honor Glen’s memory by focusing on the issues that defined his final years. She uses her experience to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research and support services, ensuring that the challenges they faced were not in vain. This ongoing work keeps the Campbell name relevant and impactful in the medical and advocacy communities, far beyond the music world.

The Controversial Family Feud Over Glen Campbell's Estate

While Kim Campbell’s public image is one of devotion, her life post-Glen has also been marked by a significant legal battle. After Glen Campbell's death in 2017, it was revealed that he had excluded three of his eight children—Debby, Travis, and Kane—from his 2006 will. This decision sparked a highly publicized family feud and legal dispute over his estimated $50 million estate.

The excluded children filed a petition to contest the will, leading to years of courtroom drama. The dispute centered on the validity of the will and whether Campbell was of sound mind when he signed it, given his early diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Kim Campbell defended the will, arguing that the decision to exclude the children was made years before his Alzheimer's diagnosis.

This high-stakes legal battle brought to light the deep divisions within the Campbell family, contrasting sharply with the unified image of Kim and her three children, Cal, Shannon, and Ashley, who were deeply involved in his final tour and care. The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of estate planning and family dynamics, even for a beloved celebrity. Though the legal disputes have largely settled, the emotional impact of the feud remains a significant part of the Campbell family story.

Glen Campbell's Enduring Legacy

Glen Campbell's music, from the evocative lyrics of "Wichita Lineman" to the swagger of "Rhinestone Cowboy," will forever be a part of American culture. However, his final years, guided by the unwavering strength of Kim Campbell, have added a profound layer to his legacy. The story of his four wives is a narrative of a man constantly searching for love and stability, finally finding it with Kim Woolen. Her relentless advocacy work ensures that the Campbell name is now synonymous not only with musical genius but also with the crucial fight against Alzheimer's disease and the essential role of the caregiver. Her memoir and her foundation, CareLiving.org, are the most current and enduring testament to a love that was truly "gentle on his mind."

wife glen campbell
wife glen campbell

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