The 'Coward of the County' singer died at his home in Georgia on Friday night, March 20 'surrounded by members of his family,' according to a statement posted on Twitter.
- Mar 21, 2020
AceShowbiz - Country legend Kenny Rogers has died, aged 81.
The singer, who enjoyed hits with songs like "Coward of the County", "Lucille", "Lady", and "The Gambler", passed away "peacefully" at his home in Georgia on Friday night (20Mar20), "surrounded by members of his family", according to a statement posted on Twitter.
Rogers scored a string of country music number ones in the late 1970s and 1980s, and landed a huge hit in 1983 when he teamed up with Dolly Parton for Islands in the "Stream".
Kenny announced his retirement from music in 2015 and had to cut short a farewell tour in 2018, due to poor health.
"I didn't want to take forever to retire," he said at the time. "I've thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to say farewell to the fans over the course of the past two years... I could never properly thank them for the encouragement and support they've given me throughout my career and the happiness I've experienced as a result of that."
He was honoured by his peers, friends, and a host of young stars at the "All in for the Gambler: Kenny Rogers' Farewell Concert Celebration" tribute in Nashville, Tennessee in October (17), when performers included Lionel Richie and Parton.
Last year (19), Kenny was hospitalised in Georgia for dehydration.
As well as becoming one of the most beloved country artists, Rogers also enjoyed acting success, starring in a number of films inspired by his hit "The Gambler".
