Country music legend Dolly Parton just sang a powerful tribute to her longtime friend and collaborator Kenny Rogers during Wednesday night’s “CMT Giants” memorial concert special. “The Gambler” singer tragically passed away last month at the age of 81.
Dolly Parton Pays Touching Tribute To Kenny Rogers On ‘CMT Giants’
Fox News reported that the special featured various country music stars honoring Rogers from their homes, as they all remain in self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
One of the most touching moments of the special came when an emotional Parton sang a cover of Rogers’ 1977 hit “Sweet Music Man,” accompanied by her own guitar.
The emotion Parton is feeling is clearly real, as she had been friends with Rogers for decades.
The “Jolene” singer also collaborated with Rogers on unforgettable hits like “Island in the Stream” and “Real Love.”
Social Media Users Praise Dolly
Social media users could not get enough of Dolly’s performance on the CMT special.
“That is beautiful Dolly I can hear the tears in your voice while mine are flowing down my face. Thank you for singing this song,” one user commented, with another adding, “Wow! She sings this song so beautifully! I don’t know how she didn’t cry during this! They were such great friends!”
Dolly Parton was one of the first people to pay tribute to Rogers after his passing, posting a video to her social media accounts the very next day.
“Well, I couldn’t believe it this morning when I got up, 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,” Parton told her fans in the video.
FULL STORY: Dolly Parton Breaks Down As She Pays Tribute To Longtime Friend Kenny Rogers
“And I know that we all know Kenny is in a better place than we are today but I’m for sure he’s going to be talking to God sometime today, if ain’t already, and he’s going to be asking him to spread some light on this darkness going on here,” she continued. “But I loved Kenny with all my heart. My heart’s broken. A big ol’ 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 him.”
You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone. 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. pic.twitter.com/hIQLIvt8pr
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 21, 2020
Dolly Breaks Down
Dolly Parton went on to break down in tears as she showed a photo of herself with Rogers.
“I just happened to have this picture when I woke up this morning of us,” Parton said as she broke into tears.
“I walked out and thought, ‘Well, maybe I’ll hold that up for everybody,’ so I know you’re sad as I am but God bless you Kenny. Fly high, straight into the arms of God. And to the rest of you, keep the faith.”
There really will never be anyone else like Kenny Rogers. May he rest in peace.
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