DOLLY Parton has paid tribute to her "true and wonderful friend" Kenny Rogers following his death aged 81 - saying she will "always love him".
The 74-year-old singer - who was very close to the country legend - took to Twitter today after learning the husky-voiced singer, known for hits such as Coward Of The County and The Gambler, had died at home from natural causes, under hospice care and surrounded by his family.
13
In an emotional video, Dolly, said her heart was broken as she revealed she "couldn't believe" the news when she heard.
She told her followers: "I know that we all know that Kenny is in a better place than we are today but I am pretty sure he is going to be talking to god some time today if he ain’t already and he’s going to be asking him to spread some light onto this darkness going on.
"I loved Kenny with all my heart and my heart is broken. I think I can speak for his friends, family and fans when I say I will always love you."
13
13
She captioned the clip: "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."
Following the news a whole host of stars went online to pay their respects as well.
Former Little Britain actor Matt Lucas paid tribute, writing on Twitter: "Thank you Kenny Rogers for your beautiful music."
Singer Richard Marx tweeted: "I'm so sad to see Kenny Rogers go. He did so much for me as a young songwriter and we stayed friends for over 30 years.
13
"I'll really miss him. May he rest easy."
Comedian John Bishop shared a video of himself singing Rogers' 1977 hit Lucille to his pet pig Milo.
He ended the video with the message: "Rest in peace, Kenny."
Rapper MC Hammer shared an image of Rogers and the words: "True all time Great. Impeccable delivery and warmth in his songs. 'The Gambler' R.I.P."
A statement from the Golden Globe Awards, which nominated Rogers' They Don't Make Them Like They Used To in 1986, hailed him as "an icon of country music and a Golden Globe nominee".
Piers Morgan paid his respects, writing: “RIP Kenny Rogers, 81. What incredibly sad news.
13
13
13
13
13
“One of the all-time great country music stars & an utterly charming man.”
Kenny's family confirmed he passed away peacefully on Friday night from natural causes.
A statement from his family said: "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."
13
The country music legend is known for ballads The Gambler, Lucille and Coward Of The County in a career spanning more than six decades.
Rogers also recorded smash hit Islands in the Stream with close pal Dolly Parton in 1983.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Country Music Association.
RISE TO STARDOM
Rogers was raised in Houston with his seven siblings and released his first song, That Crazy Feeling, under the name Kenneth Rogers when he was 20.
He later joined a jazz group, the Bobby Doyle Trio, as a standup bass player before his breakthrough came in 1966 when he was asked to become a member of the New Christy Minstrels.
The folk group reformed as First Edition and scored a hit with the song, Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).
After further success with Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town., Rogers went solo and released ballad Lucille in 1977.
The song earned him his first Grammy and was the first of dozens of hits for the country star.
Asked to sum up his success, the star once said his ballads "say what every man wants to say and that every woman wants to hear".
As he got older, Rogers embarked on several business ventures in property and the restaurant sector.
He was married five times and had five children.
13
13
13
Entertainment - Latest - Google News
March 21, 2020 at 10:05PM
https://ift.tt/2U8zgkh
Dolly Parton pays tribute to country legend Kenny Rogers as he dies at home aged 81 - The Sun
Entertainment - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2AM12Zq
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Dolly Parton pays tribute to country legend Kenny Rogers as he dies at home aged 81 - The Sun"
Post a Comment