Parton leads tributes to country star Kenny Rogers

Dolly Parton has said her heart is “broken” following the death of Kenny Rogers, her friend and long-standing collaborator. The husky-voiced singer, known for hits such as Coward Of The County and The Gambler, died at home, aged 81, from natural causes, under hospice care and surrounded by his family. Parton, whose duet Islands In The Stream with Rogers topped the charts in the US, shared a video in which she paid tribute to the singer while sitting at her piano. She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I got up this morning and turned on the TV, checking to see what the coronavirus was doing, and they told me that my friend and singing partner Kenny Rogers had passed away. “I know that we all know Kenny’s in a better place than we are today but I’m pretty sure he’s going to be talking to God sometime today – if he ain’t already – and he’s gonna be asking him to spread some light on the darkness going on here. “But I loved Kenny with all my heart. And my heart’s broken. 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.” Lionel Richie, who wrote Rogers’ song Lady, shared a gallery of images of them on stage together, writing: “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.” Singer Bryan Adams tweeted: “RIP @-KennyRogers Thanks for all the music and doing the best version of ‘when you love someone’, (and of course ‘the gambler’ which is one of the best songs ever). Peace.” Rogers announced a farewell tour in 2015 but continued performing until 2017. The multiple Grammy winner, who played the legends slot at Glastonbury in 2013, had planned further performances but called off the shows in April 2018 due to unspecified “health challenges”. He said in a statement at the time: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to say farewell to the fans over the course of the past two years. “I could never properly thank them for the encouragement and support they’ve given me throughout my career and the happiness I’ve experienced as a result of that.” Born and raised in Houston, Rogers’ trademark gravelly voice helped bring him 20 solo No 1 singles in the US country charts from 1977-87, including his remake of Richie’s Lady. In the UK he had two No 1s – Lucille in 1977 and Coward Of The County in 1980. Other British Top 10 entries included Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town in 1969 and Islands In The Stream with Parton, which reached No 7 in November 1983. Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and gained a lifetime achievement award from the Country Music Association the same year.

Picture: Shutterstock. Kenny Rogers.