Kenny Rogers: Dolly Parton shares emotional tribute to close friend after country legend's death
21 March 2020, 19:16
Dolly Parton has shared a tearful tribute to her close friend and singing partner Kenny Rogers, following his death at the age of 81.
Kenny Rogers' family confirmed on Saturday morning (March 21) that the 'Lady' singer passed away from natural causes.
Posting a video on her social media, Dolly sat next to her piano as she remembered Kenny.
"Well, I couldn’t believe it when I got up this morning, turned on the TV, checking to see what the coronavirus was doing, and they told me that my friend and singing partner Kenny Rogers had passed away," she said.
The Story of... 'Islands in the Stream' by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
"I know that we all know Kenny’s in a better place than we are today but I’m pretty sure he’s gonna be talking to God sometime today, if he ain’t already, and he’s gonna be asking him to spread some light on the darkness going on here.
"But I loved Kenny with all my heart. And my heart’s broken. A big old chunk of it has gone with him today. And I think that I can speak for all his family, his friends, when I say that I will always love you."
Tearing up, she also held up a picture of the two of them together.
"Just happened to have this picture when I woke up this morning of us, I walked down and I thought, 'Maybe I’ll hold that up for everyone'," she said.
"I know you’re as sad as I am, but God bless you Kenny. Fly high, straight into the arms of God. And to the rest of you, keep the faith."
Kenny and Dolly were close friends and performed many times together over the decades, including their international number one hit 'Islands in the Stream'.
