Kenny Rogers: Richard Marx, Piers Morgan and other celebrities pay tribute to legendary country musician
Celebrities and fans alike are united in their outpouring of grief after hearing of the passing of legendary country musician Kenny Rogers.
The 81-year-old singer and actor passed away of natural causes while under hospice care. His family has chosen to hold a private funeral due to concerns around the Coronavirus pandemic. A public memorial will be held at a later date.
Rogers has had a significant impact on country music as well as the entertainment industry as a whole and his death has prompted many celebrities to get online and share how much his music has moved and shaped them.
Fellow country singer-songwriter Sunny Ledfurd said, "Kenny Rogers made some of the dopest 80’s pop country, respect." Singer Richard Marx tweeted, "F*ck. F*ck. F*ck. I’m so sad to see Kenny Rogers go. He did so much for me as a young songwriter and we stayed friends for over 30 years. I’ll really miss him. May he rest easy." Marx previously worked with Rogers on the song 'Crazy'.
Comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, who also worked with Rogers tweeted "I was on an episode of Reno 911! where I played a crazed stalker who shoots Kenny Rogers. The cast loved him, he told great stories, and was a joy to be around. And 'The Gambler' is a truly great song." The sentiment was shared by stand-up comedian Larry the Cable Guy who tweeted, "Oh man Kenny Rogers just died. RIP Gambler. Thanks for all the great music."
Some highlighted that the sad news comes at a time when the world is already reeling from a pandemic. Walter J. Lindner, the German Ambassador to India tweeted, "Amidst all the efforts to get through the Coronavirus crisis, a moment to remember one of world’s finest singers and songwriters: Kenny Rogers (81) just passed away."
Singer and producer David Campbell tweeted "Oh man. What sad news," while singer-songwriter Nathan Carter shared, "RIP Kenny Rogers! Without doubt you where one of the best in Country Music!!"
Controversial personality Piers Morgan chose to honor the legend by saying, "RIP Kenny Rogers, 81. What incredibly sad news. One of the all-time great country music stars & an utterly charming man," and author and columnist Alex Brown tweeted, "Kenny ‘the absolute legend’ Rogers," along with a picture of the late singer from the earlier days of his career.
Music industry executive Dante Ross said, "Dam The Gambler left the playing field. Rock on Kenny Rogers, you had the greatest beard this side of Michael McDonald."
Australian radio announcer and television personality Myf Warhurst said, "Old mate @kennyrogers was cooler than you ever knew. Check him out during his country psychedelic period in 68," linking to a video of Rogers and the First Edition performing 'Just Dropped In'. She previously tweeted, "What a sad sad day this is. @_KennyRogers, you gave me and millions of others such joy. Vale wonderful Kenny," linking to a video of her singing 'Islands In The Stream' with Rogers when she interviewed him on episode one of the six-part series 'Nice'.
Dolly Parton, one of Rogers' long-time friends has yet to release a statement, leaving many fans wondering if she's doing okay. Parton allegedly got to speak with Rogers last year, asking him to join her in her home in Nashville to write a few songs, but he refused on account of his ailing health.
Rogers is survived by his wife Wanda Miller and five children.