Kenny Rogers dies at age 81 | The Music Universe

Sean Furtado

Rogers is the subject of an A&E Biography episode airing in April

Country superstar Kenny Rogers has died at the age of 81. The news shocked the world late Friday (March 20th) night when it was announced on Rogers’ social media accounts.

“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,” the family says in a statement.

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 24 No. 1 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 Rogers’ life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date.

Rogers canceled the remaining dates of his 2018 final tour, The Gambler’s Last Deal, due to health issues.

In 2017, stars from all genres joined together to perform a musical tribute to Rogers at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. All In For The Gambler served as a reminder of the musical impact that his career has had – and will continue to make for years to come as Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Alison Krauss, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Jamey Johnson, Wynonna Judd, Naomi Judd, and Elle King all paid tribute to the singer.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Rogers would be the the subject of two upcoming A&E Biography episodes. Biography: Kenny Rogers chronicles Rogers’ life from his childhood, through the rise and fall of The First Edition, the iconic release of “The Gambler,” and to the height of his career as a successful solo artist, actor and pop-culture icon. Utilizing live performances and behind-the-scenes moments from All In For The Gambler in Nashville, this Biography special pays tribute to a true country music legend. The two-hour documentary also features exclusive photos, a never-before-seen interview and acoustic performance by Rogers himself as well as intimate interviews with family and fellow luminaries including Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Jamey Johnson and more.

Celebs shared their thoughts on social media, following the late night announcement.