Kenny Rogers, the well-known country singer and musician behind such hits as “The Gambler,” “Lucille,” and “Lady,” has died at the age of 81, his family announced early Saturday.
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
Rogers had 24 number-one hits over his career and is a six-time County Music Association winner. He also earned three Grammy awards and was nominated 19 times.
The entertainer was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013, the same year he was awarded the County Music Association’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2015, Rogers announced that after spending more than 50 years in the business, he planned to retire.
“I’ve done this long enough,” he said, adding that he wanted to spend more time with his children.
“Will I miss the business? Absolutely. I’ll miss the faces of the people that are out there and the laughs and smiles but not as much as I would miss my boys,” Rogers said.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda, and four sons.
According to a statement by SKH Music, the Rogers’ family is planning a small private service due to the coronavirus outbreak, but plan to honor him more publicly with friends and fans at a later date.
Rest in peace, Kenny Rogers.
