Country music legend Kenny Rogers dies

Kenny Rogers, legendary country music artist, whose career spanned six decades, has died at the age of 81.

The artist’s family announced his passing on Rogers’ verified Twitter account, saying he died Friday night from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by family.

In a career that spanned more than six decades, the Houston-born singer left an indelible mark on the history of American music. In the family’s announcement they state, “His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world.

The silver bearded country legend’s first hit single “Lucille” was released in 1977 and landed him his first Grammy Award. But it was “The Gambler” that became his signature song with its famous chorus “You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, know when to run…” The song was so popular it inspired a movie of the same name.

Rogers who made a comeback in his early 60s with a hit called “But Me A Rose,” is famous for major chart-topping hits like “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” and “Through the Years” are just a handful of Kenny Rogers’ songs that have inspired generations of artists and fans alike.”

Rogers, had twenty-four number-one hits, was a Country Music Hall of Fame member, six-time CMA Awards winner, three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award honoree in 2015 and has been voted the “Favorite Singer of All Time” in a joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People.   

Kenny Rogers is survived by his wife, Wanda, and his sons Justin, Jordan, Chris and Kenny Jr., as well as two brothers, a sister and grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His family is planning a small private service at this time out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency.  They look forward to celebrating Kenny’s life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date.