Kenny Rogers, 81, dies "of natural causes"

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Country singer's death confirmed in family statement

Rogers receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the height of his fame in 1979 (Image credit: Jim Steinfeldt / Getty)

Country legend Kenny Rogers, singer of a string of massive hits like The Gambler and Islands In The Stream has passed away, his family confirmed in a statement this morning.

"Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family," the statement reads.

"Rogers, with twenty-four number-one hits, was a Country Music Hall of Fame member, six-time CMA Awards winner, three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award honoree in 2015 and has been voted the "Favorite Singer of All Time" in a joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People."

Kenny Rogers

Kenny Rogers performing with The First Edition in 1970 (Image credit: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty)

"The family is planning a small private service at this time out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency.  

"They look forward to celebrating Kenny’s life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date."

 

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