Country music star Kenny Rogers has died at the age of 81.
Perhaps best known for the songs "The Gambler" and "Islands In The Stream" he won four Grammys over his career and had 24 #1 hits.
A statement says: "In a career that spanned more than six decades, Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on the history of American music. His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world. Chart-topping hits like "The Gambler," "Lady," "Islands In The Stream," "Lucille," "She Believes In Me," and "Through the Years" are just a handful of Kenny Rogers' songs that have inspired generations of artists and fans alike. Rogers, with twenty-four number-one hits, was a Country Music Hall of Fame member, six-time CMA Awards winner, three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award honoree in 2015 and has been voted the "Favorite Singer of All Time" in a joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People. The family is planning a small private service at this time out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency. They look forward to celebrating Kenny’s life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date".
His official Twitter feed says he passed away peacefully at home from natural causes.
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. https://t.co/adxAgiMW2s pic.twitter.com/nggWiiotMT
— Kenny Rogers (@_KennyRogers) March 21, 2020
A keen businessman, Rogers led several ventures over the years, mainly in property and the restaurant sector.
He also acted in several movies and TV shows, including starring as a race car driver in the 1982 movie Six Pack.
He was married five times and had five children.
"Country Music has lost the great Kenny Rogers, who has forever left a mark on Country Music's history," the Country Music Association said in a statement. "His family and friends are in our thoughts during this difficult time."
I asked Kenny Rogers which of his songs was his favourite.
He immediately said ‘Lady’ then corrected himself. ‘Actually, it would be We’ve Got Tonight.’
The lyrics seem apposite today: ‘We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow? Let's make it last, let's find a way.’ pic.twitter.com/TuoMbXdALe— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 21, 2020
