Dolly Mourns Kenny

An emotional Dolly Parton recited one of her iconic lyric after learning of the death of longtime friend and singing partner, Kenny Rogers.

"I will always love you."

Country music legend Kenny Rogers — who sang alongside Parton in one of the greatest duets of all time — died of natural causes Friday night. He was 81. He died at home in Sandy Springs, Georgia. He was under hospice care, according to The Tennessean.



"I know that we know that Kenny is in a better place than we all are right now," Parton said, holding a framed photo of the pair, in a video posted to Facebook. "I know he's going to be talking to God some time today — if he hasn't already — he's going to ask him to spread some lightness in all this darkness right now."

"I loved Kenny with all my heart and my heart's broken," she continued, holding back tears. "A big 'ol chunk of it has gone with him today. I think I can speak for all his family, and all his friends and fans, when I say that I will always love you."

Parton told the Today Show in 2017 that her relationship with Rogers was like brother and sister.

On Twitter, she added:

The country music icon's death comes at a time of fear and uncertainty as the coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic continues to affect communities across the globe. Parton added a message to fans learning of his death during an already exhausting news cycle.

"To the rest of you, keep the faith."

➤ Kenny Rogers' Biggest Billboard Hits:

1  "Islands in the Stream," with Dolly Parton, No. 1 peak (2 weeks), 1983
2  "Coward of the County," No. 1 (3 weeks), 1980
3  "She Believes in Me," No. 1 (2 weeks), 1979
4  "Morning Desire," No. 1 (1 week), 1986
5  "Real Love," Dolly Parton with Rogers, No. 1 (1 week), 1985

6  "The Gambler," No. 1 (3 weeks), 1978
7  "Love Will Turn You Around," No. 1 (1 week), 1982
8  "I Don't Need You," No. 1 (2 weeks), 1981
9  "Tomb of the Unknown Love," No. 1 (1 week), 1986
10 "Love or Something Like It," No. 1 (1 week), 1978

11  "What Are We Doin' in Love," Dottie West with Rogers, No. 1 (1 week), 1981
12  "Every Time Two Fools Collide," Rogers & Dottie West, No. 1 (2 weeks), 1978
13  "We've Got Tonight," Rogers & Sheena Easton, No. 1 (1 week), 1983
14  "I Prefer the Moonlight," No. 2, 1987
15  "All I Ever Need Is You," Rogers & Dottie West, No. 1 (1 week), 1979

16  "Lady," No. 1 (1 week), 1980
17  "Lucille," No. 1 (2 weeks), 1977
18  "Twenty Years Ago," No. 2, 1987
19  "Don't Fall in Love With a Dreamer," No. 3, 1980
20  "A Love Song," No. 3, 1982

21  "Anyone Who Isn't Me Tonight," Rogers & Dottie West, No. 2, 1978
22  "Make No Mistake, She's Mine," Rogers & Ronnie Milsap, No. 1 (1 week), 1987
23  "Crazy," No. 1 (1 week), 1985
24  "You Decorated My Life," No. 1 (2 weeks), 1979
25  "Daytime Friends," No. 1 (1 week), 1977