We are deeply saddened to learn that country music icon Kenny Rogers has passed away at the age of 81 according to a statement posted by the Country Music Hall of Famer’s family.
Rogers is best known for his mega-hit “The Gambler” which as added to the National Registry in 1978. It was the most recent of a lifetime of honors given to the singer, which included induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, three Grammys, and six CMA Awards. Roger’s is also known for his duet with fellow country legend Dolly Parton on “Islands In The Stream” and his additional hit songs “Lady” and “Lucille”.
In their statement, Roger’s family said that he died peacefully of natural causes in his home at 10:25pm.
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 statement reads as follows:
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.
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 twenty-four number-one 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 Kenny’s life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date.
Early in his career, Rogers led the band Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, whose hits included the Mel Tillis-written song, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town.”
In May of 2019, Rogers was admitted to a Georgia hospital for dehydration, amid rumors that his overall health was failing. Back in 2018, health problems prompted Rogers to call off shows during what was billed as his farewell concert tour.
“Kenny Rogers has been working through a series of health challenges and has been advised to cancel all performances through the end of the year to focus on recuperation,” a statement from the singer’s management said at the time.
“I didn’t want to take forever to retire,” Rogers was quoted as saying. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to say farewell to the fans over the course of the past two years on ‘The Gambler’s Last Deal’ tour.”
Our sincere condolences go out to Kenny Roger’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time!
