Beverly Glenn-Copeland has revealed that he’s been diagnosed with dementia.
The Canadian composer and folk-jazz artist, 80, shared the news this week with an Instagram video alongside his wife and collaborator Elizabeth Paddon, confirming that his upcoming North American tour dates will be his last.
“For a while now, we have been managing privately a diagnosis of a cognitive disorder known as dementia,” Glenn-Copeland said in the video. “But so far it does not impact my ability to be fully in the moment with those I love.”
“We want to challenge the mainstream image of this illness, which focuses on loss,” he added. “We are actively asking the universe to show us where is the life here.”
Paddon explained that the illness currently effects his memory and the spatial part of his brain, including his ability to drive a car. She added that “his essential light shining brighter than ever”.
“So, as is often the case in life, in this sadness, there is also a really profound beauty,” she continued.
The couple also shared that they still plan to work on creative projects, including an upcoming tour, writing a book, a musical adaptation and a children’s TV show.
They pair then opened up about having moved six times in the last four years due to financial struggles throughout the pandemic, thanking those who supported them.
“We will need support from the community in the times ahead and we’ll share details soon,” Glenn-Copeland concluded. “Until then, take good care of yourselves and your loved ones. We’ll see you soon.”
Glenn-Copeland’s remaining tour dates will be in Brooklyn and New York later this month and early October. You can find details for those here.
The artist’s career has enjoyed renewed momentum in recent years following the reissue of his self-titled 1970 debut album. More new fans who have also discovered his acclaimed 1986 record ‘Keyboard Fantasies’.
Elsewhere, he previously wrote for Sesame Street and appeared on the Canadian children’s TV show Mr Dressup.
Last year the musician released ‘The Ones Ahead’, his first first new album in 20 years.