Dolly Parton Joined Lionel Richie And Rascal Flatts In Honoring ‘The Gambler’ Kenny Rogers

Apr 14, 2020 by apost team

When country music star Kenny Rogers, the man behind the hit song "The Gambler," passed away last month, the music community was shaken. They recently got together in tribute to grieve over their friend's death and to raise money for a worthy cause. Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, and Rascal Flatts were just some of the artists who performed on April 8th's "CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares."

The show featured performances, rare archive footage of Rogers himself, and interviews with stars also including Gavin DeGraw, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Jennifer Nettles, Lady Antebellum, Michael McDonald, Randy Houser, and Vince Gill. Of course, all of these performances took place virtually, from the homes of the celebrities who are all self-isolating at the moment due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Many stars have been hit hard by Rogers' death. His music had a great influence on country and pop singers alike. Dolly Parton recently shared a moving post on Twitter about her grief in losing Rogers. She 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."

Her own rendition of "Sweet Music Man" was a great highlight of the tribute concert. They were very close after recording the hit song "Islands in the Stream" together in 1983.

People had the opportunity to donate to the MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund. This is a fund that has been set up specifically for those in the music industry who may need financial support during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, Margaret Comeaux, EVP and vice president of production, music and events, CMT said:

“Kenny Rogers transcended genres and generations with his musical versatility, legendary collaborations and timeless appeal, and we’re honored to pay tribute to his legacy. Particularly in these turbulent times, we’ll stop and take a moment to allow the memory of our dear friend Kenny to bring us together and inspire us to lend support to those in the music community who are most in need.”

Kenny Rogers passed away on March 20th from natural causes, reported Variety. He was 81 and was survived by his wife Wanda and his five children.

Did you catch the Kenny Rogers tribute show? What did you think of it? Let us know and tell your friends and family about the amazing event.