Dolly Parton, The Judds and More Share Memories of Kenny Rogers Ahead of Farewell Concert
“It’s really exciting. I don’t even know who’s on the show,” a beaming Rogers admitted as Dolly Parton stood by his side.
The final chapter of Kenny Rogers’ musical career came to a close with a star-studded send-off to retirement when the legendary singer’s farewell performance was held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for the show, All In For The Gambler.
Comprised with surprises for fans and Rogers alike, the cast of country acts, past and present, made their way to the stage to perform some of Rogers biggest hits and pay tribute to the iconic artist that he is.
“There is a party going on at Bridgestone in honor of my friend, and everybody’s friend, Kenny Rogers,” exclaimed Rogers’ longtime friend and current touring partner, Linda Davis. Davis took the stage to perform “20 Years Ago” with her daughter, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, during the star-studded tribute.
Rogers, who is the midst of his farewell tour, The Gambler’s Last Deal, was looking forward to the evening’s festivities, most of which had been kept a secret by his team.
“It’s really exciting. I don’t even know who’s on the show,” a beaming Rogers told SLN with Dolly Parton by his side. “They made it a point not to tell me what songs they were singing so that’s kind of exciting.”
While the lineup was packed of performances from Lady Antebellum, Chris Stapleton, Justin Moore, Travis Tritt, The Judds, T.G. Sheppard, The Oak Ridge Boys and many others, the night culminated in a final performance of Rogers and Parton’s smash, “Islands in the Stream.”
“How could I not be here on a night like tonight. That’d be crazy,” Parton said. “Kenny and I have had such good luck together. We’ve been good friends and had some really amazing records and amazing tours too, so I wouldn’t have missed it.”
See more farewell messages for Kenny Rogers from Lee Greenwood, Aaron Lewis, T. Graham Brown and more in the video above.
