The country music world was rocked on March 21, 2020 when the legendary Kenny Rogers’ family informed fans and friends that he had passed away at the age of 81.
“The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25 p.m. at the age of 81. Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family,” their statement read.
https://www.facebook.com/KennyRogersOfficial/photos/a.285047651525650/3184446854919034/
Many of Rogers’ legendary friends took to social media to mourn and pay tribute, but no one’s was more heartbreaking than his longtime duet partner, Dolly Parton’s.
“I loved Kenny with all my heart…And my heart is broken. A big ol’ chunk of it has gone with him today. I think that I can speak for all his family, his friends, and fans, when I say that I will always love you.”
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. pic.twitter.com/hIQLIvt8pr
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 21, 2020
Along with messages of mourning, some country singers have been paying tribute through song, like Travis Tritt. He posted a video on Facebook of himself singing “Sweet Music Man.”
https://www.facebook.com/travistritt/videos/303257887313686/
Another person who payed tribute to Rogers on social media with a version of one of his songs is Kid Rock. He went deep into the archives and brought back a song Rogers released in 1969 with his band The First Edition called “But You Know I Love You.”
Kid Rock wrote, “This is one of my favorite songs since I was young. It was written by Mike Settle and Kenny Rogers had a big hit with it in the late 60’s. Me and a few of my band members did this very quickly in my studio years ago. I thought it would be a nice tribute to Kenny. Rest in peace Gambler.”
Take a listen to the song below, which is accompanied by several photos of Rogers throughout his career.
Watch Kid Rock’s video below.