Multi-talented country music icon Kenny Rogers has died aged 81, his family have confirmed.
Rogers died of natural causes at his home in Sandy Springs, in northern Fulton County, Georgia, and his family issued a statement announcing his death on Saturday morning.
The statement 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.’
Because of the coronavirus pandemic the family have confirmed that they are planning a small private service.
“The family is planning a small private service at this time out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency,” the statement said. “They look forward to celebrating Kenny’s life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date.”
The husky-voiced balladeer retired from touring in 2017 after a 60-year career spanning jazz, folk, country and pop, with hits like, The Gambler, Lucille, and Lady.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013, with the organization citing his “distinctive, husky voice and laid-back sex appeal,” which he parlayed “into durable superstardom.”
In 2015, he announced his plans to retire after a long farewell tour.
“I’ve been so lucky to have enjoyed such a long career and to have such amazing support from my fans and all who have helped me along the way, but there comes a time when I need to focus on spending time with my family,” Rogers said at the time.
“My life is about my wife and my 11-year-old twin boys right now. There are a lot of things I want to do together with them to create some special memories. I don’t have a bucket list of my own … I have a bucket list of things I want to do with them.”
Dolly Parton who produced collaborative hit after hit with Rogers posted a tearful video to social media on Saturday in tribute.
“I loved Kenny with all my heart,” she said.
“My heart’s broken, and a big old chunk of it has gone with him today. And I think that I can speak for his family, for all his friends and fans, when I say that I will always love you.”
