A tribute to Glen Campbell, who died this week after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, is set for this Thursday, Aug. 10, on CMT. “CMT Remembers Glen Campbell” will premiere at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT.
The 30-minute special encores Friday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. ET/PT and Saturday, Aug. 12, at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT.
Hosted by CMT’s Cody Alan and Katie Cook, the news special will feature tributes from Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and Reba McEntire along with rare archival photos, performances and interview footage.
The special will also include highlights from “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour,” featuring Johnny Cash, John Wayne, Carol Burnett, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and more.
In a sitdown interview with CMT in 2011, Campbell and his wife, Kim, reflected on his life and his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Said Campbell: “If you know you got it, live with it the best way you can. You don’t cry over spilled milk.” He also joked: “I really like the situation I’m in because if I make a mistake now, they expect it.”
CMT sent out a few of the quotes about Campbell from the tribute:
Keith Urban: “Glen was probably the first country artist I was inspired by.”
Reba McEntire: “Glen was way over my hairspray in the way of range, talent and intensity of what he was singing about.”
Blake Shelton: “I still look at him as iconic, a superhero.”
All in the name of ratings and being first. This just feels morbid. At least let his family grieve for a bit. I’m sure this special was totally pre-produced except for some studio intros, which will be added today or tomorrow to feel timely. Glen Campbell was a classy man, a gifted musician and someone who seemed to have compassion towards those around him. The least CMT could do is act the same way. Where I come from we don’t write and produce the eulogy until the person passes away. You may disagree, and that’s your right, but at the very least the network could allow a week or two to pass by to give his family an opportunity to honor him n their own fashion.
Why should CMT be different from any other network? I have seen over a dozen tributes to him since his death was announced. And that doesn’t include the ones I have heard on radio. Cousin Brucie’s was best. Fans have a right to grieve also. These tributes offer fans the chance to grieve and also give awareness to younger people who weren’t alive in the 60’s and 70’s. How many young people know that when Brian Wilson had to leave the Beach Boys as they were preparing for a tour, Glenn Campbell replaced Brian as the front man. Glenn was more than just the Rhinestone Cowboy, these tributes allow fans to remember and celebrate his career.