A number of country artists shared their sentiments regarding the death of country music legend Kenny Rogers, 81, who passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 20.
Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Randy Travis, Tim McGraw, Oak Ridge Boys, Keith Urban, Charlie Daniels, Darius Rucker, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley and many more shared their love on social media and via statements.
Carrie Underwood: “Country music has lost one of its pillars…sing with the angels and talk to God, Kenny. Bless you for being a part of so many lives…”
Dolly Parton: “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.”
Reba McEntire: “Kenny, Go rest high on that mountain. Please tell mama and daddy hi for me. 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.”
Randy Travis: “‘I love you. Stay in touch. Take care of yourself. And, if you ever start recording again, I want to be there’—kind words from my longtime friend, Kenny Rogers. He was always near when you needed him, with that infectious smile that lit a room. I had the honor of working with Kenny, numerous times, over the last 35 years—each time I was left a better person. The songs he gave us and the friendships he collected, will keep his all in touch with our brother, our hero, our friend. Rest easy, Kenny…we will record again, and you will be there. I love you, too!”
Jeff Cook of Alabama: “Kenny Rogers was a pioneer in the music world. He was a friend of ALABAMA and will be missed by all. Rest in Peace.”
Teddy Gentry of Alabama: “Last night we lost a friend and one of the classic voices that easily melted county, rock and pop together in a way no one had done before. We will certainly miss you Kenny.”
Randy Owen of Alabama: “With sadness I heard about the passing of a great Hall of Famer. Kenny Rogers was a special treasure to country music and the world. He will be missed by all.”
Charlie Daniels: “Thank you Kenny Rogers for being a part of our lives for so long. Your songs are woven into the fabric of our memories — classics, that will live on in the musical heart of a world that will miss you so much. Rest in peace, Gambler.”
Ricky Skaggs: “Kenny Rogers was truly an artist of the highest caliber. As a singer, songwriter, entertainer, and actor, he opened doors and enhanced the careers of many other artists just by recording a song with them. His voice and smooth singing style enabled him to move in and out of different musical genres like walking from one room to the next. But music was not his only creative outlet. He was also an amazing photographer. Rest well my brother, you gave us a lot in this life!“
Ray Stevens: “Kenny was a nice man and a great entertainer who had a way of making a song all his own. He will be missed.”
Larry Gatlin: “I have lost an old friend and the world has lost a consummate entertainer. ‘The Gatlin Boys’ did hundreds of shows with ‘Kenneth’ as we called him. More often than not, I watched from the wings as he masterfully strutted and fretted his hour upon the stage. Last night, ‘the Gambler he broke even.'”
Brad Paisley: “Rest In Peace Kenny Rogers. We loved you.”
Lee Ann Womack: “I always enjoy working with Kenny…the ultimate pro, and always kind and down to earth. Thinking of his wife and children today.”
Billy Ray Cyrus: “No one bridged the gap between country and pop more often and better than Kenny Rogers. He will be missed, but his music and diverse style of story telling will live on forever.”
Kelsea Ballerini: “One of the greatest songwriters and voices of our genre. sad day in music.”
Trace Adkins: “Every time I was in his presence he was unbelievably kind, which I appreciated because I was always star struck to the point of not being able to speak. He was a force in the music industry – one of the most distinct and recognizable voices in the history of country music, and I truly admired him. Rest easy, Gambler.”
Josh Turner: “My first concert ever was in Columbia, SC to see Kenny. I was a little boy then and called him “Kidney Rogers!” He was such a force in music period, not just country. He will be missed and I am grateful for his body of work.”
Jamey Johnson: “So many songs you sang painted the canvas of my musical youth. Thank you for dedicating your life to enriching the lives of people like me with your gift. Rest well Sweet Music Man.”
John Anderson: “Kenny was one of the few that successfully crossed genres. I’ve been a fan from a long time back, and we will all miss his voice and style.”
Pam Tillis: “As long as I can remember there has been Kenny Rogers. It began the moment daddy brought home his ‘First Edition’ album with the soon to be hit single ‘Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town.’ That song put daddy on the map as a songwriter, and Kenny Rogers became a legend in the making. And I loved that voice! Many years later as a fledgling entertainer, I got to open for him and watch a true master at work. A dream come true was getting to sing with him. Totally unreal. Another special moment was having Kenny Rogers, the photographer, take one of my favorite portraits of dad and I. Ever. A true renaissance man. Kenny, thank you for a lifetime of music and memories. Sending deepest sympathies to his family.”
Travis Tritt: “I’m very sad to learn that Kenny Rogers has passed away. Kenny was a friend who helped me in so many ways early on. He was always funny, kind and full of advice. Kenny’s legacy of great music will live on forever. My deepest condolences to Wanda & family.”
Wynonna: One of the greatest examples of integrity I have ever known. @_KennyRogers was always so very kind to me. Wow. Life is so bittersweet…”
Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band: “To one of the old guys that taught me so much, God Bless you, Kenny. Keep an eye out for Larry Butler.”
Terri Clark: “To one of the sweetest men I’ve ever had rhe pleasure of being around. Always a smile and always a gentleman. We’ve lost an icon and the world was a better place with you in it Mr Rogers.”
T.G. Sheppard: “Kenny Rogers was not only my friend, he was my mentor. The void he leaves will be impossible to fill. Countless memories ‘Through the Years’ will never leave the people’s lives he so graciously touched. Rest in peace, dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to Wanda and his beautiful family.”
Aaron Tippin: “The world has lost a legend and a great man. He was one of a kind and such an amazing talent. Prayers to Kenny’s family from ours.”
Collin Raye: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Kenny Rogers’ passing. I am honored to say that I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Kenny on many occasions. He was always so kind, respectful, and uplifting to me. Being chosen by Kenny to perform at his Songwriters Hall of Fame induction in New York City years ago was one of the great honors of my career. Whenever I asked for his help at a charity event or show, Kenny always said yes. He was a wonderful, kind, loving, human being and a truly amazing artist who transcended all genres for every generation. Kenny will never be forgotten. I’ll forever be grateful and humbled to have known him and shared the stage with him. There will never be another Kenny Rogers. May God be with you, my friend.”
Marty Raybon of Shenandoah: “In a time such as the days we are living through, Kenny Rogers embraces a known bright tomorrow. He left the pain in this world and has moved onto the shores of the everlasting. To his family we send our deepest condolences.“
Darryl Worley: “Kenny was always very kind to me. My mother was one of his biggest fans and he was very gracious to her as well. We will surely miss that unmistakable voice.”
Sammy Kershaw: “What a super legend. He was always nice to me. God bless the “‘Sweet Music Man.'”
The Oak Ridge Boys: “The loss of The Sweet Music man will take a long time to process Kenny like CASH was always bigger than life to us and no other has meant more to our career. Thank you Kenny for the lessons love, music and deep friendship … until the day Rest in Peace Kenny Rogers.”
Tim McGraw: “I loved Kenny Rogers. My mom really loved Kenny…she took me outta school (7th grade or so) and dropped me at Monroe Civic Center to stand in line for tickets to his concert. I stood in line all day and got to the window just as last 2 tickets were sold….Years later in college, I was working at the Civic Center selling popcorn up and down the aisles and got to see him. Still one of my favorites of all time….my mom still loves him. Love ya Kenny, my man. Sending love to Kenny’s family.“
Chris Janson: “RIP Kenny Rogers, country music lost a legend.”
Tanya Tucker: “What a career, what a talent, what a legacy. Now this world is left with a big shadow center stage where Kenny Rogers stood. No one else can take his place. Now he’s taken his place amongst the Heavenly stars. It’s a very sad day for all of us. But God is smiling.”
Little Big Town: “Kenny, there will never be another like you. Thank you for the music.”
photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
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