Grammy-winning country singer Kenny Rogers died late on Friday night at the age of 81, his family said on Saturday. The American singer “passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family,” a statement on the singer’s website said.
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. https://t.co/adxAgiMW2s pic.twitter.com/nggWiiotMT
— Kenny Rogers (@_KennyRogers) March 21, 2020
“The family is planning a small private service at this time out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency.”
Rogers embarked on a world farewell tour in 2016 but in April 2018 he cancelled the last few shows citing “a series of health challenges.”
Rogers, a three-time Grammy winner and a Country Music Hall of Famer, was best known for songs like “The Gambler” and his 1983 duet with Dolly Parton “Islands in the Stream.”
After beginning his career in the 1950s with a jazz group, Rogers went solo in the 1970s and released his break-through single “Lucille” in 1977.
I grew up listening to. Kenny Rogers, this is too much. One of the GOAT vocalists. I can’t take it. RIP pic.twitter.com/FzVAok7B3e
— Black Fam (@DarlingKof1) March 21, 2020
“Not many people get to see the end of the rainbow. But I have.”
RIP Kenny Rogers
Rest in peace and harmony. pic.twitter.com/RBK9gS9Yzj— Isabella Steele ? (@MsBellaSteele) March 21, 2020
Kenny Rogers and I have known each other and have been friends since the 60’s. We will all miss that great voice.
— Chuck Woolery (@chuckwoolery) March 21, 2020
Grew up thinking Kenny Rogers was married to Dolly Parton ?.
Islands in the Stream and a Christmas to Remember are my favorite songs of Kenny and Dolly.#RIPKennyRogers
— Timboroa’s Finest ?? (@KinusMinjire) March 21, 2020
I have always loved Kenny Rogers music, I suspect I will be listening to a lot more of it this weekend. RIP Kenny Rogers. ?Islands in the Stream and the Gambler are two of my favourite ever tracks. #RIPKennyRogers
— Michelle (@Glastomichelle) March 21, 2020
Rest In Peace Kenny Rogers #kennyrogers pic.twitter.com/l0WKWMyDNi
— Dave Reviews Movies (@attitudemilo) March 21, 2020