Country music legend Kenny Rogers died at age 81 of natural causes at his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia, according to a statement released by his family on Saturday morning, March 21, 2020. Longtime friend and collaborator Dolly Parton posted an emotional video and tribute on social media, telling fans that a “big old chunk” of her heart went with him.
Dolly Parton Mourns Kenny Rogers Following Country Icon’s Death at 81
Rogers enjoyed a decades-long career defined by pop-crossover hits, chart-topping country anthems, and distinct cinematic storytelling like “The Gambler.” Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rogers family planned a small private service following his passing, with plans for a public memorial at a later date.
Dolly Parton’s Emotional Tribute to Her Longtime Duet Partner
Dolly Parton appeared tear-stricken in a video posted to Instagram on Saturday, sitting at her piano to address fans just hours after learning of Rogers’ death. According to her social media post, she turned on the television to check on coronavirus news when she saw the reports about her singing partner.
“You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone,” Parton wrote in her caption. In her video address, she added, “My heart’s broken and a big old chunk of it has gone with him today. And I think that I can speak for all his family, his friends and fans, when I say that I will always love you.”
The pair famously collaborated on the 1983 smash hit “Islands in the Stream,” written by the Bee Gees, and released a full duets album titled Once Upon a Christmas in 1984. Despite decades of close friendship and musical partnership, the two never pursued a romantic relationship. Parton explained on the Today show in 2017 that they were “almost like brother and sister,” noting that pursuing romance would have felt like incest.
Country Music Stars and Collaborators React to the Loss of ‘The Gambler’
Artists across the music and entertainment industries shared memories and condolences on social media following the announcement of Rogers’ death. Country star Blake Shelton posted on Twitter, writing that he could not express the impact Rogers had on him both as an artist and a man, calling him kind and fun to be around.
Reba McEntire, who was mourning the recent loss of her own mother, Jacqueline Smith, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “Kenny, Go rest high on that mountain,” McEntire wrote, thanking him for his friendship and expressing joy that he would be singing with the angels.
Wynonna Judd tweeted that Rogers was “one of the greatest examples of integrity I have ever known,” sharing a throwback photograph alongside Rogers and Lionel Richie. Actor Patton Oswalt also recalled working with Rogers on an episode of Comedy Central’s Reno 911!, where Oswalt played a crazed stalker who shoots Rogers’ character. Oswalt noted on Twitter that the cast loved working with him, praising his storytelling and calling “The Gambler” a truly great song.