Country music just lost one of its legends…Kenny Rogers.
Rogers’ family issued a statement on social media saying that “The Gambler” singer passed away on Friday (March 20). He was 81 years old.
“Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family,” the statement read.
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
Rogers retired in 2017 after enjoying a decades-long career. Although he started off singing songs that were more rock-leaning, he was primarily known for being a country singer.
He was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, received three Grammy Awards, and had 24 chart-topping hits. Just a few of those hit songs include “Islands in the Stream,” “Lady,” and “We’ve Got Tonight.”
Rogers collaborated with many other country stars over the course of his career, including Dolly Parton, Ronnie Milsap, Alison Krauss, and Dottie West.
Needless to say, the country music community was devastated when they woke up on Saturday morning (March 21) and learned that Rogers passed away. Many artists took to social media to pay tribute to Rogers with pictures and kind words.
You can see some responses to Rogers’ death below. We have included posts from artists as well as some venues and organizations relevant to the country music community.
Crystal Gayle
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ADQlpBjBE/
Wynonna Judd
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_y3sHng3c/
Bridgestone Arena
We were fortunate enough to host "All In For The Gambler" in 2017 – a tribute to #KennyRogers.
It was evident then how many lives were positively impacted by Kenny and his music, and it's even more apparent today as the world mourns the loss of this legend.
📷 @DDraperPhotog pic.twitter.com/H0Ry4utuU6
— Bridgestone Arena (@BrdgstoneArena) March 21, 2020
Reba McEntire
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9__1WDlxxB/
The ACM
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AD1kVAfFW/
Blake Shelton
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
Jamey Johnson
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_ZkgHA_X8/
The Country Music Hall of Fame
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9__hXeh6ZF/
The Oak Ridge Boys
The loss of The Sweet Music man will take a long time to process Kenny like CASH was always bigger than life to us and no other has meant more to our career. Thank you Kenny for the lessons love, music and deep friendship … until the day .. #RestinpeaceKennyrogers pic.twitter.com/21aslusOKp
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) March 21, 2020
Travis Tritt
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_9DkNBP1p/
The CMA
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_L8dRpO8m/
Jake Owen
Lil tribute to The Gambler @_KennyRogers … one of my favorite songs ever. pic.twitter.com/Y9JmILrjG8
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) March 21, 2020
Tracy Lawrence
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ABiPlFXvM/
Home Free
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_508PgpU-/
Zac Brown Band
Low quality clip, high quality man. Your music will live on forever @_kennyrogers! #TheGambler #CMAfest @countrymusic pic.twitter.com/zIewWLJzwy
— Zac Brown Band (@zacbrownband) March 21, 2020
Charles Esten
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ACTffBohY/
Charles Kelley
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_01LJnc3f/
Bellamy Brothers
So sad to hear the news of @_KennyRogers passing. Love and prayers to his family. #Gambler #SoManyMemories pic.twitter.com/tTTFBy6MRi
— Bellamy Brothers (@BellamyBrothers) March 21, 2020
Chuck Wicks
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ADyc2jc33/
Jay DeMarcus
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AHSU_g10N/
Jason Aldean
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AHTwfA7tV/
Carrie Underwood
Country music has lost one of its pillars…sing with the angels and talk to God, Kenny. Bless you for being a part of so many lives… pic.twitter.com/QSUGLnVutD
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) March 21, 2020
Kid Rock
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-BA4qPjSqi/
Little Big Town
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-BhXbhhV68/
Travis Tritt
Just my small way of remembering @_KennyRogers. This is a song that Kenny wrote with Waylon Jennings (another musical hero) in mind. #RIPKennyRogers #RIPLegend #RIPLegend pic.twitter.com/zEjHHLiWKA
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 21, 2020
Brad Paisley
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AOAJ1hEL8/
One of the most heartbreaking reactions to Rogers’ death came from his frequent duet partner, Dolly Parton. While clutching a photograph of her and Rogers in her hands, Parton spoke to her fans in a video she shared on social media:
“I loved Kenny with all my heart…And my heart is broken,” she said. “A big ol’ chunk of it has gone with him today. I think that I can speak for all his family, his friends, and fans, when I say that I will always love you.”
You can watch Parton’s response to Rogers’ death in the video below.
We too, join Parton in sending our prayers to Rogers’ family and friends. May he rest in peace.