The death has been announced of American country star Hal Ketchum, best-known for hits such as Small Town Saturday Night and his cover of Mick Hanly's Past the Point of Rescue. He was 67 and had been battling dementia.
Ketchum's wife Andrea announced her husband's passing on Facebook, writing: "With great sadness and grief we announce that Hal passed away peacefully last night at home due to complications of dementia."
"May his music live on forever in your hearts and bring you peace," she added.
New York-born Ketchum began performing as a drummer at the age of 15, switching to singing and guitar after moving to Texas while still in his teens.
He worked as a tradesman for almost 20 years before getting his break in the music business, releasing his debut album, Threadbare Alibis, in 1988. In total, he released 11 studio albums with his last record, I'm the Troubadour, released in 2014.
His illness was confirmed by his wife Andrea in April 2019.
"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," she said in a statement.
"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."
