wife glen campbell

The Four Wives Of Glen Campbell: Where Are They Now And Kim Campbell's New Memoir

wife glen campbell

The legendary career of Glen Campbell, the "Rhinestone Cowboy," was matched only by the complexity of his personal life, which included four marriages and eight children. As of today, December 18, 2025, the most current and compelling information centers on his final wife, Kimberly "Kim" Woollen Campbell, who has recently gained significant attention for her candid memoir and tireless advocacy work following the country star's death in 2017. This article provides a deep dive into the lives of all four women who shared a part of Campbell’s tumultuous journey, culminating in the latest updates on Kim Campbell’s life as a caregiver and author. The intricate tapestry of Glen Campbell’s personal world—from his early days as a session musician to his global fame—was deeply intertwined with the women he married. His four wives, each with a unique story, played pivotal roles through different phases of his life, from his rise to stardom to his final, heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer's disease.

The Complete Biography of Glen Campbell's Four Wives

Glen Campbell was married four times throughout his life, with each relationship leaving a distinct mark on his personal and family history. His marriages produced a total of eight children, including his eldest daughter, Debby Campbell, who also pursued a singing career, and his three youngest children with Kim Campbell, who formed the band "The Campbells" on his final tour.

1. Diane Marie Kirk (First Wife)

  • Marriage Duration: 1954–1959 (5 years)
  • Children: 1 (Debby Campbell)
  • Key Details: Campbell married Diane Kirk in 1954 when he was just 17 and she was 15, reflecting his humble and rushed beginnings in the music world. They had one child, Debby Campbell, who later wrote the book "Burning Bridges: Life with My Father Glen Campbell" and detailed the complexities of their relationship. Diane Kirk later passed away in 2015.

2. Billie Jean Nunley (Second Wife)

  • Marriage Duration: 1959–1976 (17 years)
  • Children: 3 (Kelli, Travis, and Wesley Campbell)
  • Key Details: Billie Jean Nunley was Campbell's longest marriage until he wed Kim Woollen. Their relationship spanned the initial height of his fame, including his TV show and his biggest hits. After Campbell's passing, three of their children—Kelli, Travis, and Wesley—were famously excluded from their father's final will, leading to a public legal dispute that highlighted the family's internal struggles. Billie Jean Nunley passed away in 1993.

3. Sarah Barg (Third Wife)

  • Marriage Duration: 1976–1980 (4 years)
  • Children: 1 (Dillon Campbell)
  • Key Details: The marriage to Sarah Barg was short-lived and followed a highly publicized, tumultuous relationship with country singer Tanya Tucker. Sarah Barg was the former wife of Campbell's friend and fellow musician, Mac Davis. They had one son, Dillon Campbell, before divorcing in 1980. Like the children from his second marriage, Dillon was also excluded from Campbell's will.

4. Kimberly "Kim" Woollen (Fourth Wife and Widow)

  • Marriage Duration: 1982–2017 (34 years)
  • Children: 3 (Caly, Shannon, and Ashley Campbell)
  • Key Details: Kim Woollen, a former dancer, met Campbell on a blind date. She became his rock and the primary caregiver through his final decade, marked by his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease in 2011. Their children, Caly, Shannon, and Ashley, are musicians who often performed with their father during his farewell tour. Kim Campbell's life since Campbell's passing has been dedicated to advocacy and sharing their story.

Kim Campbell's New Memoir and Alzheimer's Advocacy

The most significant and current information regarding Glen Campbell’s legacy comes directly from his widow, Kim Campbell. In recent years, she has transformed her experience as a caregiver into a powerful platform for public awareness and support.

Her memoir, titled "Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell," offers an unvarnished look at their decades-long marriage. The book, which has garnered renewed interest as of late, details the highest highs of their life together and the lowest lows, including Campbell's severe struggles with substance abuse, particularly alcoholism, which plagued him for years. Kim's candid account describes the emotional rollercoaster of loving a superstar with deep personal demons and her steadfast devotion during his final years of cognitive decline.

The memoir is not just a celebrity tell-all; it serves as a testament to the challenges of caregiving. Kim Campbell discusses the immense emotional and financial strain, as well as the public scrutiny and backlash she faced while making difficult decisions for the ailing country star, including moving him to a long-term care facility.

The CareLiving Movement and The Kim & Glen Campbell Foundation

Following Glen Campbell's death, Kim Campbell channeled her energy into advocating for other families facing similar challenges. She founded CareLiving.org, a blog and lifestyle resource specifically designed to encourage and guide caregivers. The philosophy behind CareLiving is centered on the crucial message that caregivers must prioritize their own well-being—caring for yourself while caring for others.

Kim Campbell has become a recognized public speaker and an influential voice in the Alzheimer's space, using her platform to speak about advancements in research and the need for better care infrastructure. Her work is further supported by the Kim & Glen Campbell Foundation, which aims to improve the quality of life for families living with dementia.

Her ongoing public appearances and interviews related to the book and her foundation keep the conversation about Campbell's struggle—and the challenges of caregiving—current and relevant, ensuring his legacy extends beyond his music to include a vital message of support for the Alzheimer's community.

The Legacy of Love, Music, and Turmoil

The lives of Glen Campbell's four wives collectively paint a portrait of a complex, brilliant, and often troubled artist. The early marriages to Diane Kirk and Billie Jean Nunley were foundational to his rise, while the brief union with Sarah Barg marked a period of intense personal turmoil. However, it is Kim Campbell’s three-decade commitment that defines his final chapter.

The legal battles over Campbell's will, which excluded three of his older children, further underscored the deep rifts and emotional complexities that existed within his large family. These disputes, alongside the public nature of his Alzheimer’s decline, have cemented the fact that the man behind the hits like "Wichita Lineman" and "Gentle on My Mind" was as human and flawed as any other. The stories of his wives are essential entities in understanding the full scope of the legendary country-pop star's life.

Ultimately, the current narrative focuses on Kim Campbell's enduring devotion and her transformation into a powerful advocate. Her work with CareLiving.org and her candid memoir ensure that the final years of Glen Campbell's life, though difficult, serve as an inspiring story of resilience and love in the face of devastating illness.

wife glen campbell
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