CMT Giants Kenny Rogers Benefit: Dolly Parton leads tribute, fans say it's 'really hard to say goodbye'
Some of the biggest names in country music and friends of Kenny Rogers are paying tribute to the country legend in a benefit show, 'CMT Giants Kenny Rogers: A Benefit for MusiCares' for MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. Singer-songwriter and actress Rita Wilson is hosting the tribute, which is showcasing rare archival photos, interviews, and performances, as well as clips and commentary from Rogers himself, while Dolly Parton is leading the tribute.
The CMT Giants Kenny Rogers: A Benefit for MusiCares' show is virtual as all the artists filmed their tributes from home due to the coronavirus pandemic. The show is airing now on CMT. It started at 8 pm ET (April 8). But for those who missed it, you can watch it on April 10 at 8 pm ET on MTV Live and again on CMT on April 11 at 12 pm ET. Some of the artists you can watch paying tribute include Gavin DeGraw, Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Jennifer Nettles, Lady Antebellum, Lionel Richie, Michael McDonald, Randy Houser, Rascal Flatts, and Vince Gill.
Rogers was an award-winning country musician and singer, best known for hits such as 'Islands in the Stream', 'The Gambler', and 'Lady', amongst many others. He died at age 81 from natural causes on March 20. Parton and Rogers have shared a longstanding friendship over the years. They have collaborated together on hits such as 'Islands in the Stream', 'Real Love', 'Love Is Strange', and the 2014 CMA-nominated 'You Can't Make Old Friends'. After Rogers passed away, Parton posted a tribute to Rogers on Instagram with an emotional video. "You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone," she wrote, adding, "I’ve had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend Kenny, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend. So you be safe with God and just know that I will always love you."
CMT has been tweeting several of the performances so far. Rascal Flatts performed Rogers' 'Through the Years' which CMT tweeted and it "touched all of our hearts". Fans called the performance "INCREDIBLE (sic)" and "beautiful". CMT's tweet on Vince Gill's performance reads, "'Rock of Your Love' is the song we all needed to hear right now. And hearing Vince Gill sing it, as a tribute to the late Kenny Rogers, was an extra special treat" and a fan described it as "Lovely and perfect".
CMT's tweet on Lionel Richie's performance reads, "@LionelRichie introducing "Goodbye" was tough to watch. We love ya, Lionel! #CMTGiants (sic)". Fans agreed, saying, "It definitely was tough to watch,but it was a great show!!! (sic)" and "Tough is an understatement". One fan said, "That was the perfect song ending. It really is hard to say goodbye." while another said, "I’m still emotional over that one".
Other comments on the show were full of appreciation and love for Rogers. "My dear @_KennyRogers, forever in my heart. Your songs are in every memory of my life and I appreciate the fact that you have always responded to my messages with respect and affection. I hug his family from Buenos Aires," a fan said. Another fan added, "Goodbye Kenny. One of my favorites since I was a kid. I can remember watching the Gambler at my Grannies house. Such a wonderful talent."