‘My heart’s broken’: Dolly Parton mourns ‘singing partner’ Kenny Rogers; more stars react – USA TODAY

Across social media, friends and fans mourned country music legend Kenny Rogers.

Rogers, the smooth, Grammy-winning balladeer who spanned jazz, folk, country and pop with such hits as “Lucille,” “Lady” and “Islands in the Stream” and embraced his persona as “The Gambler” on record and on TV, died Friday night. He was 81.

The Rogers family announced his death on Twitter. They said he died “peacefully” under hospice care at his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Early Saturday, celebrities reacted to the news.

Dolly Parton honored her “singing partner” with a video tribute on Twitter.

“I know that we all know that Kenny is in a better place than we are today and I’m pretty sure that he’s going to be talking to God sometime today… and he’s going to be asking him to spread some light on a bunch of this darkness,” Parton said in her video. “I loved Kenny with all my heart. My heart’s broken. A big ol’ chunk of it has gone with him today.”

Parton then got emotional as she held up a photo of her and Rogers.

“God bless you Kenny, fly high straight into the arms of God,” Parton said. “To the rest of you, keep the faith.”

Blake Shelton remembered Rogers as always being a “kind and fun” person.

“I can’t express on Twitter the impact Kenny Rogers the artist and the man had on me. He was always very kind and fun to be around. Rest In Peace Gambler…,” the “Austin” artist wrote.

Piers Morgan shared a photo of Rogers to express his sadness. “RIP Kenny Rogers, 81. What incredibly sad news. One of the all-time great country music stars & an utterly charming man,” Morgan wrote.

Stand-up comedian Patton Oswalt shared his favorite memory of Rogers on Twitter. 

“I was on an episode of ‘Reno 911!’ where I played a crazed stalker who shoots Kenny Rogers,” Oswalt wrote. “The cast loved him, he told great stories, and was a joy to be around. And “The Gambler” is a truly great song. #RIPKennyRogers.”

Larry the Cable Guy took to Twitter to thank Rogers for his contributions to the music world. “Oh man Kenny Rogers just died,” he wrote. “RIP Gambler. Thanks for all the great music.”

Charlie Daniels also recognized the Rogers’ music as classics that will continue to make an impact in the world.

“Thank you Kenny Rogers for being a part of our lives for so long. Your songs are woven into the fabric of our memories, classics, that will live on in the musical heart of a world that will miss you so much. Rest in peace Gambler,” Daniels tweeted.

Actor Jeffrey Wright shared a video of Rogers singing “She Believes in Me,” and wrote “Nice rendition. Nice melody for the mind laying low. RIP Kenny Rogers.”

Novelist Greg Olear mourned Rogers’ death on Twitter too, and shared how he first became acquainted with his music.

“This one hurts,” he wrote.

When he was in fourth grade, Olear said he played “Kenny Rogers Gold” on repeat on his aunt’s cassette deck.  

“I’ve loved him ever since,” he continued, noting a few of his favorite Rogers songs including “Lucille,” which he called the “best.”

Across Twitter, fans reacted too by sharing the hash tag “RIPLegend,” and recounting their memories of Rogers’ music, some calling his songs a “staple” to their childhood.

Others simply tweeted lyrics to Rogers’ hits including “Islands In The Stream,” which he sang with Parton.

Rogers, who was born in Houston, was known for his husky voice and silver beard. He sold tens of millions of records, won three Grammys and was the star of TV movies based on “The Gambler” and other songs, making him a superstar in the ‘70s and ’80s. Rogers thrived for 60 years before retired from touring in 2017 at age 79. Despite his crossover success, he always preferred to be thought of as a country singer. 

Contributing: The Associated Press

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