Country Singer Reba McEntire Pays Tribute To Friend Kenny Rogers Following His Passing

Mar 24, 2020 by apost team

Shortly after award-winning country singer Kenny Rogers’ death in Georgia last week at the age of 81, friends, fans and celebrities have been paying tribute to the legendary artist. Long-time friend Reba McEntire was among those who mourned the country music icon’s passing.

Famous for hits like Lucille and The Gambler, Rogers made a name for himself beyond the world of country music with his husky voice, rugged appearance and affable personality. It’s no wonder then that he left behind a lot of friends and admirers, including a wife and five children. After Rogers’ death last Friday, Reba McEntire joined Rogers’ family, friends and country greats like Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton and Billy Ray Cyrus in saying goodbye to their old pal, according to The Oprah Magazine. On Instagram, McEntire posted a black and white photo of herself resting on Rogers’ shoulders to celebrate Rogers’ life.

“Kenny, Go rest high on that mountain,” the 64-year-old country star wrote. “Please tell mama and daddy hi for me. Thank you for your friendship and your love. We are going to miss you but we are so happy you’re singing with the Angels in heaven. Can’t wait to see you again one of these days. Rest in peace my friend.”

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McEntire and Rogers’ touching friendship goes way back. According to Rare Country, the two even remembered touring together through Australia in 1998. That’s not to mention that the singers also collaborated on a TV movie Luck of The Draw: The Gambler Returns in 1991. And at the time, working with Rogers on the film reportedly helped McEntire cope with  the loss of eight of her band members in a plane crash the same year. Suffice it to say that through the years, the pair had been through a lot together.

Years after their decades-long friendship began, Rogers told Rare Country that “I just love her. I think she’s one of those rare people. I see her every year at a big function in Denver […] When I see her, she makes me happy, and that’s all you can ask.”And the feeling, it seems, was entirely mutual. 

McEntire wasn’t the only old friend who paid tribute to the legendary artist, however. Dolly Parton, who had a similarly long and intimate friendship with “Kenny,” also took to social media to honor Rogers’ long, successful life.

“You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone,” Parton wrote on Twitter. “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.”

The Rogers’ family currently has plans to hold a private service, though they also announced plans to hold a larger memorial for the singer at a later date, according to NPR.

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