Country music legend Kenny Rogers has died at 81, his family say.
Rogers, whose husky voice carried him as a TV and music star across genres, “passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family”, his representative said in a statement.
A statement 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.”
Rogers had a career that spanned more than six decades.
He also enjoyed success in partnership with Dolly Parton, and ad announced a farewell tour in 2015 but had continued performing until 2017.
Kenny Rogers with friends Dolly Parton to and Lionel Richie (Image: GETTY IMAGES)
He was known for chart-topping hits like “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” and “Through the Years”.
He had 24 number one hits and was a Country Music Hall of Fame member.
He won the CMA Awards six times, and took home three Grammy awards.
He was a recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and the CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award honoree in 201
He was voted the “Favorite Singer of All Time” in a joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People.
He was a major star (Image: GETTY IMAGES)
His family added in a statement: “The 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.”
Country historian Bill C. Malone told Variety: “Rogers is a consummate story-teller, with an intimate and compelling style that almost demands the listener’s concentration.
“When his husky tenor voice slips down into a raspy, gravelly register, as it sometimes does, Rogers pulls the listener even further into his confidence.”
Kenny was close with Dolly Parton (Image: Getty Images)
Rogers was born and raised in Houston, in a poor family. He was the fourth of eight children and took to guitar at an early age.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan said on Twitter: “RIP Kenny Rogers, 81. What incredibly sad news. One of the all-time great country music stars & an utterly charming man.”
Political comentator Kevin Maguire wrote: “He was the greatest player of them all. RIP Kenny Rogers.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
