Kenny Rogers Passes Away At Age 81

Kenny Rogers has passed away, aged 81. 

The news was announced in a statement from the much-loved US artist's family today, sharing that he had passed "away peacefully at home from natural causes". 

"In a career that spanned more than six decades, Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on the history of American music," continued the statement. 

"His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world."

See the full statement below.  

Rogers hit mainstream success with his track Lucille in 1977 and was best-known for his hit song The Gambler. 

In 1983, Rogers collaborated with Dolly Parton for the Bee Gee's penned track Islands In The Stream, which went on to become a #1 hit around the world including Australia. 

Rogers also collaborated on hits Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer with Kim Carnes and We've Got Tonight with Sheena Easton.

Prior to his solo career, Rogers found success with his band The First Edition, known for songs like Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In), Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town, Reuben James and Something's Burning.

He was a three-time Grammy Award winner and a member of the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

March 21, 2020 - 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.

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.