Country music icon Kenny Roger passed away on Friday (March 20) of natural causes. He was 81.
His family released a statement on Saturday (March 21) on his website and social media platforms.
“The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25PM at the age of 81. Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family.”
“In a career that spanned more than six decades, Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on the history of American music. His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world. Chart-topping hits like ‘The Gambler,’ ‘Lady,’ ‘Islands In The Stream,’ ‘Lucille,’ ‘She Believes In Me,’ and ‘Through the Years’ are just a handful of Kenny Rogers’ songs that have inspired generations of artists and fans alike,” the statement continued.
They are arranging a small private service “out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency” but said that they “look forward to celebrating Kenny’s life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date.”
Following the sad news, celebrities went on social media to pay heartfelt tributes to the music legend.
Dolly Parton posted a video on Instagram, saying, “Well, I couldn’t believe it when I got up this morning and turned on the TV…and they told me that my friend and singing partner Kenny Rogers had passed away. I know that we all know that Kenny’s in a better place than we are today, but I’m sure that he’s gonna be talking to God sometime today, if he ain’t already, and he’s gonna be asking him to spread some light on a bunch of this darkness going on here.”
“I loved Kenny with all my heart, and my heart’s broken. A big ol’ chunk of it has gone with him today,” Dolly continued, holding up the picture. “I think I can speak for all his family, his friends and fans when I say that I will always love you…. God bless you, Kenny, fly high, straight to the arms of God.”
“You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone,” Dolly captioned the post. “I’ve had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend Kenny, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend. So you be safe with God and just know that I will always love you, dolly.”
Lionel Richie is mourning the loss of one of his closest friends.
“Today I lost one of my closest friends 💔 So much laughter so many adventures to remember, my heart is broken. My prayers go out to Kenny’s Family.🙏” Lionel wrote alongside several photos of him with Kenny throughout their decades-long friendship.
“THANK YOU KENNY ROGERS – for decades of genre bending music and collaborations – for making music that travelled the globe .. and songs that became common threads for people from all walks of life !! GO REST HIGH BROTHER. With love and deep appreciation,” Keith Urban tweeted.
“Kenny, Go rest high on that mountain. Please tell mama and daddy hi for me. Thank you for your friendship and your love. We are going to miss you but we are so happy you’re singing with the Angels in heaven. Can’t wait to see you again one of these days. Rest in peace my friend,” Reba McEntire captioned a black and white photo of the two of them.
“I can’t express on twitter the impact Kenny Rogers the artist and the man had on me. He was always very kind and fun to be around. Rest In Peace Gambler…” Blake Shelton shared.
“I’m so sad to see Kenny Rogers go. He did so much for me as a young songwriter and we stayed friends for over 30 years. I’ll really miss him. May he rest easy,” Richard Marx tweeted.
“We will miss you @_KennyRogers. You are and forever will be quite the legend,” LeAnn Rimes expressed.
Rest In Peace, Kenny. Thank you for the music.
