Country music legend Hal Ketchum passed away peacefully at age 67 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. His wife Andrea shared the news, noting that he had battled the disease "for some time" before retiring from performing in April 2019.

As a Grand Ole Opry member, Ketchum enjoyed a successful career spanning over three decades, releasing 11 studio albums. He was known for hits like "Small Town Saturday Night," "Past the Point of Rescue," "Hearts Are Gonna Roll," and "Stay Forever." Beyond music, he was an accomplished painter with works displayed at Santa Fe's Pena Studio Gallery and a skilled master carpenter specializing in toy-making.

Fellow artists and fans paid tribute to the Greenwich, New York-born singer:

• Kelly Willis recalled sharing the Austin City Limits stage with him in 1994
• LeAnn Rimes praised him as "such a talent and a dear soul"
• Elizabeth Cook remembered his incredible voice, guitar skills, and welcoming nature
• The Oak Ridge Boys noted his untimely passing at 67

Ketchum joins other notable country music losses in 2020, including Kenny Rogers, Charlie Daniels, Joe Diffie, and John Prine. The music industry also mourned the passing of Eddie Van Halen, Vera Lynn, Little Richard, and Bill Withers this year.

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