“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,” Andrea said at the time, according to People Magazine. “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.”

She went on to describe dementia as “an exhausting and confusing illness,” adding that it was time for her husband 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!” Andrea concluded.

Born in Greenwich, New York, Ketchum started playing the drums at 15 before switching to the guitar. While music was always his passion, Ketchum spent almost twenty years working as a carpenter and furniture builder before he finally got his big break in the industry.

Ketchum moved to Texas from New York in 1981, but it wasn’t until 1991 that he hit it big with his song “Small Town Saturday Night.” His career flourished from there, and he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in January of 1994. Ketchum toured all over the world performing and bringing joy to his millions of fans until his retirement. He will be dearly missed.