Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, And Others Will Remember The Late Kenny Rogers During CMT Benefit Show

Apr 04, 2020 by apost team

The death of Kenny Rogers last month sent shockwaves around the world. Celebrities whose lives he touched were quick to pay tribute to the music icon, and this is culminating in a CMT Benefit Show, which will air next week in his name. Performers will include Dolly Parton and Lionel Richie, amongst other big names.

The 81-year-old country singer sadly passed away on March 20th at his home in Georgia, due to natural causes. CMT announced on Thursday that it will produce a show called "CMT Giants Kenny Rogers: A Benefit for MusiCares" to remember the star, reports Deadline. The concert is set to air on on April 8th.

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

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 Instagram 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.”

People will have 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.”

Steve Boom, MusiCares' chair also declared:

“Our heartfelt thanks to CMT and the Kenny Rogers estate for supporting MusiCares during these unprecedented times. Donations from the broadcast will benefit thousands of music creators and industry professionals in desperate need of support. Kenny was very philanthropic throughout his lifetime, and that legacy continues to lives on."

Will you be tuning in to the show? It will undoubtedly provide some much needed entertainment for those at home at the moment, and at the same time be a perfect way to remember the life of the legend. Share this story with anyone you know who is a fan of Kenny Rogers.