Rogers is the subject of an A&E Biography episode airing in April
Country superstar Kenny Rogers has died at the age of 81. The news shocked the world late Friday (March 20th) night when it was announced on Rogers’ social media accounts.
“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,” a spokesperson says in a statement.
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
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. Rogers, with 24 No. 1 hits, was a Country Music Hall of Fame member, six-time CMA Awards winner, three-time GRAMMY Award winner, recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award honoree in 2015 and has been voted the “Favorite Singer of All Time” in a joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People.
The family is planning a small private service at this time out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency. They look forward to celebrating Rogers’ life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date.
In 2017, stars from all genres joined together to perform a musical tribute to Rogers at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. All In For The Gambler served as a reminder of the musical impact that his career has had – and will continue to make for years to come as Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Alison Krauss, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Jamey Johnson, Wynonna Judd, Naomi Judd, and Elle King all paid tribute to the singer.
Rogers canceled the remaining dates of his 2018 final tour, The Gambler’s Last Deal, due to health issues.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Rogers would be the the subject of an upcoming A&E Biography episode. Biography: Kenny Rogers chronicles Rogers’ life from his childhood, through the rise and fall of The First Edition, the iconic release of “The Gambler,” and to the height of his career as a successful solo artist, actor and pop-culture icon. Utilizing live performances and behind-the-scenes moments from All In For The Gambler in Nashville, this Biography special pays tribute to a true country music legend. The two-hour documentary also features exclusive photos, a never-before-seen interview and acoustic performance by Rogers himself as well as intimate interviews with family and fellow luminaries including Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Jamey Johnson and more.
Celebs shared their thoughts on social media, following the late night announcement.
We will miss you @_KennyRogers You are and forever will be quite the legend. #thegambler #ripkennyrogers https://t.co/ur0clc3cHP
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) March 21, 2020
RIP Kenny Rogers, 81.
What incredibly sad news.
One of the all-time great country music stars & an utterly charming man. pic.twitter.com/xtYLeWk3Me— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 21, 2020
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.? pic.twitter.com/2lbwFffeYq
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) March 21, 2020
Oh man Kenny Rogers just died. RIP Gambler. Thanks for all the great music. ?
— Larry The Cable Guy (@GitRDoneLarry) March 21, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/14969940796/posts/10158099489560797/
Rest In Peace Kenny Rogers. He was an icon and defined 70’s and early 80’s country music. https://t.co/F8W6AF6mp8
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) March 21, 2020
I had no idea that when I was doing an instagram live chat at 02:30 singing “The Gambler” that the news would be breaking if the passing of @_kennyrogers
This breaks my heart! I am such a fan! I love his voice ! You… https://t.co/6ArlCC2GhF— Mark Wills (@MarkWillsMusic) March 21, 2020
Farewell Kenny Rogers who wrote the quintessential gambling song. Rest in Peace.
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) March 21, 2020
You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone. 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. pic.twitter.com/hIQLIvt8pr
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 21, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/100009104363901/posts/2512020742444713/
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 (@blakeshelton) March 21, 2020
I’m very sad to learn that @_KennyRogers has passed away. Kenny was a friend who helped me in so many ways early on. He was always funny, kind and full of advice. Kenny’s legacy of great music will live on forever. My deepest condolences to Wanda & family. #RIPKennyRogers pic.twitter.com/lZo6XI3yma
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 21, 2020
Thank you Kenny Rogers for being a part of our lives for so long. Your songs are woven into the fabric of our memories, classics, that will live on in the musical heart of a world that will miss you so much.
Rest in peace Gambler— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) March 21, 2020
One of the greatest examples of integrity I have ever known. @_KennyRogers was always so very kind to me. Wow. Life is so bittersweet… pic.twitter.com/k9zPh3Ov80
— Wynonna (@Wynonna) March 21, 2020