Kenny Rogers may be gone, but his music will live on forever and on Thursday evening, his legendary career was celebrated with a pre-taped concert special on CBS.
In 2017, a handful of music’s biggest stars joined together to bid farewell to Rogers’ touring career during a star-studded concert in Nashville.
A highlight of the show was when Rogers’ longtime friend and collaborator, Dolly Parton, joined him on stage for a finale performance that fans won’t soon forget.
Parton sweetly serenaded her longtime friend and collaborator as he joined her on stage. The pair was all smiles as fans in the audience were moved to tears over the touching moment.
Upon Rogers’ death in 2020, Parton took to social media to pay her respects to Rogers.
“I loved Kenny with all my heart. My heart is broken. A big ‘ole chunk of it has gone with him today,” she said. “I think that I can speak for all his family, his friends and fans when I say that I will always love you.”
Kenny Rogers: All In For The Gambler also featured tribute performances from Chris Stapleton, Idina Menzel, Lady A, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town and Reba McEntire, who took the stage to perform some of Rogers’ greatest hits, such as “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “She Believes in Me,” “Through the Years,” “Lucille,” “We’ve Got Tonight” and more.
Produced by Blackbird Presents, the two-hour, concert special was filmed in 2017 in honor of his retirement and honored the life and legacy of the late country music legend, who passed away in 2020. Rogers was 81 at the time of his death.
“Kenny Rogers’ enormous impact on country music was matched only by the love all the artists and fans showed Kenny on this incredible night,” said executive producers Keith Wortman and Ken Levitan. “We are so thrilled to share this special with his friends, family and fans all around the world, as he will remain forever in our hearts.”
Kenny Rogers: All In For The Gambler aired on Thursday, Sept. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBS and was streamed live and on demand on Paramount+.
