Songwriter legend/country artist and member of the Grand Ole Opry Hal Ketchum has halted his performance schedule due to his battle with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.
The news was shared with fans on his Facebook page this weekend.
Dear friends and fans of Hal, this is Andrea, Hal’s wife.
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. 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.
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.
We all deeply appreciate how much love that you all have for Hal and how much his music means to you!
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.
Please know that I do read all of your comments to Hal and that we will continue to check in from time to time.
Lots of love and appreciation to you all from Hal and the entire Ketchum family.
Ketchum took a five-year break from music while he was suffering from multiple sclerosis before he released “I’m the Troubadour” in 2014 with a performance at the Franklin Theatre. Ketchum has sold over five million albums with 10 top ten singles.
