Country music icon Kenny Rogers, whose hits included “Lucille,” “Lady” and “The Gambler,” died at the age of 81. His family said in a statement.
The Houston-born country star had 20 No.-1 hits and three Grammys and performed for some 60 years before retiring from touring in 2017 at age 79, according to the Associated Press.
Rogers didn’t write most of his hits and often said he didn’t consider himself much of a songwriter. But he told NPR in 2012 that he had a knack for picking songs that could draw in the listener.
He was always known for his collaborations — especially duets with Dolly Parton.
The story goes that Rogers was in his studio in Los Angeles for days trying to prefect the song “Islands in the Stream” by the Bee Gees. Someone suggested, “This needs Dolly Parton,” and she happened to be in town. They both recalled it being a magical studio moment. “Islands” became a No.-1 hit in 1983.
Rogers’ family plans a private service “out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency,” the statement posted early Saturday read. The family plans to hold a public memorial at a later date.