Dolly Parton paid tribute to her longtime friend and co-creator Kenny Rogers this afternoon, following his death at the age of 81.
The country music star died from “natural causes” last night, with his close family by his side.
In a tearful video shared over Twitter, Dolly, 74, reminisced over her decades-long friendship with the singer.
Sitting on a piano, she said: “Well, I couldn’t believe it when I got up this morning, 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.
“I know that we all know Kenny’s in a better place than we are today but I’m pretty sure he’s gonna be talking to God sometime today, if he ain’t already, and he’s gonna be asking him to spread some light on the darkness going on here.”
Holding up a framed picture of the two together, she continued: “But I loved Kenny with all my heart. And my heart’s broken. A big old chunk of it has gone with him today. And I think that I can speak for all his family, his friends, when I say that I will always love you.
“Just happened to have this picture when I woke up this morning of us, I walked down and I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll hold that up for everyone.’
“I know you’re as 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.”
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers had a friendship that dated back decades (Image: GETTY IMAGES)
Dolly and Kenny famously performed the hit duet Islands In The Stream together, which became country music royalty after its release in 1999.
In her caption, Dolly said: “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.”
Kenny’s death was confirmed by his family in a statement released over social media, breaking the devastating news to his worldwide fanbase.
Dolly revealed her heart was “broken” over the tragic news of Kenny’s death (Image: Getty Images)
It read: “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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
