Country music legend and Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum passed away at age 67 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. His wife Andrea announced that he died peacefully at his Nashville home.

During his illustrious career spanning over three decades, Ketchum released 11 studio albums and 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 featured in Santa Fe's Pena Studio Gallery and a skilled master carpenter specializing in toy making.

Fellow artists paid tribute to Ketchum's legacy:

• 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 expressed sadness at losing "yet another one this year"

Ketchum joins other legendary musicians who passed in 2020, including Kenny Rogers, Charlie Daniels, Joe Diffie, John Prine, Eddie Van Halen, Vera Lynn, Little Richard, and Bill Withers.

Prior to his death, Ketchum had retired from performing in April 2019 after battling Alzheimer's disease "for some time."

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