Dolly Parton broke down in tears as she paid tribute to her good friend and collaborator, country music legend Kenny Rogers, who passed away on Friday at the age of 81.
Dolly Parton In Tears As She Honors Kenny Rogers
The morning after Rogers’ death, Dolly Parton was in tears as she addressed her fans while sitting at the piano.
“You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone,” Parton captioned her video. “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. So you be safe with God and know that I will always love you, Dolly.”
“Well, I couldn’t believe it this morning when I got up 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,” she said in the video.
“And I know that we all know Kenny’s in a better place than we are today,” added Parton. “But I’m pretty sure he’s gonna be talking to God sometime today if he ain’t already, and he’s gonna be asking him to spread some light on a bunch of this darkness going on here, but I loved Kenny with all my heart.”
“My heart’s broken and a big old chunk of it has gone with him today,” she concluded. And I think that I can speak for all his family, his friends and fans, when I say that I will always love you.”
Dolly Parton And Kenny Rogers Were Good Friends And Collaborators
Dolly Parton collaborated with Rogers many times over the years. The first time being their 1983 classic duet “Islands in the Stream”. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and though they were never romantically involved, they remained friends for decades.
Rogers’ death was announced by his family on Saturday morning, breaking the hearts of his millions of fans.
“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,” the wrote on Twitter.
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
Country Music Stars Pay Tribute To Rogers
Other country music stars also spoke out to pay tribute to Rogers. Top among them was Reba McEntire, whose own mother passed away this month as well.
“Kenny, Go rest high on that mountain. Please tell mama and daddy hi for me,” McEntire wrote on Twitter. “Thank you for your friendship and your love. We are going to miss you but we are so happy you’re singing with the Angels in heaven. Can’t wait to see you again one of these days. Rest in peace my friend.”
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Country music star Wynona Judd, who shared a stirring “Mary Did You Know” duet with the legend, also honored Rogers. She wrote, “One of the greatest examples of integrity I have ever known. @_KennyRogers was always so very kind to me. Wow. Life is so bittersweet..”
Kenny Rogers was an incredible talent who was an amazing person offstage as well. He will be dearly missed, and there will never be another one like him.
Please keep Rogers’ family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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