Back in 1975, Glen Campbell released "Rhinestone Cowboy," a hit song that resonated with fans worldwide. The track wasn't just about fame—it was a reflection of the journey he took to get there. According to his eldest daughter, Debby Campbell, Glen received countless letters and cards from people he never met. Debby, who knew him better than most, shares, "He was always humbled by the love his audience gave him." Speaking exclusively to Closer, she adds, "Dad treated them as real people, not just fans idolizing an entertainer."
Glen Campbell wasn't just a star to Debby—he was family. She wasn't just a fan; she was his duet partner for 24 years, traveling the globe alongside him. "Being on the road with Dad was a blessing. It gave us quality time together that I treasure," Debby, now 66, recalls fondly. "I sang alongside him, and those were some of the best years of my life."
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Debby's 2014 memoir, Burning Bridges: Life With My Father Glen Campbell, dives deep into her dad's life. It's a story of a boy from humble beginnings—one of 12 kids on an Arkansas farm—who dreamed of playing the guitar. "Dad used to joke that it's easier to work with a guitar than a mule!" she laughs. Glen's journey took him from the fields of Arkansas to the bright lights of Hollywood, where he excelled not just in music but also in television and film.
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But life wasn't always easy for the Campbell family. Debby candidly discusses the struggles she witnessed, including her father's battles with substance abuse and his eventual Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2011. "Dad fought hard, but Alzheimer's was relentless. Losing him in 2017 was heartbreaking," she shares. Yet, through it all, Glen's resilience and love for his family remained unwavering.
Behind the Scenes: Life as Glen Campbell's Daughter
Debby reflects on the complexities of being Glen's daughter. "The hardest part was watching the business side take over—people trying to control his every move," she explains. Watching the 2022 film Elvis brought back memories of her father's world. "It broke my heart, seeing the parallels between Elvis and Dad. They both had so much talent but faced similar challenges in the industry."
Now, audiences will soon get a glimpse into her life through a movie adaptation of her memoir, produced by Lisa Saltzman. "Lisa loves the story of a child finding a best friend in her father, despite the entertainment world's ups and downs," Debby says. "I'll have a say in how Dad is portrayed, and that's important to me."
Debby cherishes the moments she shared with her father, especially their card games on the road. "We'd play gin for pennies, and those hours were priceless. Dad taught me to be kind, genuine, and down-to-earth," she says. These lessons have stayed with her, shaping her outlook on life.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
Today, Debby continues to honor her father's legacy. "I perform tribute shows and participate in Alzheimer's events to keep Dad's memory alive," she explains. Her mission extends further: "I want to see Dad inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He deserves it!" Despite missing him every day, Debby finds solace in the music and memories that keep him close. "Every day, there's a song or someone reminding me of him," she shares warmly.
