As country artists from every era woke up on Saturday morning (March 21) and learned that Kenny Rogers has died, they took to social media to share their fondest memories — and tribute songs — of the man who influenced so many of the stars who knew him, loved him and treasured him and his music.
l loved Kenny Rogers. My mom really loved Kenny…she took me outta school (7th grade or so) and dropped me at Monroe Civic Center to stand in line for tickets to his concert. I stood in line all day and got to the window just as last 2 tickets were sold…. pic.twitter.com/lU3HvEPktr
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) March 21, 2020
"Kenny Rogers was truly an artist of the highest caliber. As a singer, songwriter, entertainer, and actor, he opened doors & enhanced the careers of many other artists just by recording a song with them.”
– Ricky Skaggs (full quote at https://t.co/oQ6RR03bd5)John Russell/CMA pic.twitter.com/OcxKnLCfit
— Ricky Skaggs (@RickySkaggs) March 21, 2020
THANK YOU KENNY ROGERS-
for decades of genre bending music and collaborations – for making music that travelled the globe .. and songs that became common threads for people from all walks of life !! GO REST HIGH BROTHER. With love and deep appreciation . KU— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) March 21, 2020
You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone. I’ve had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend Kenny, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend. pic.twitter.com/hIQLIvt8pr
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 21, 2020
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…
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) March 21, 2020
So many songs you sang painted the canvas of my musical youth. Thank you for dedicating your life to enriching the lives of people like me with your gift. Rest well Sweet Music Man. @_KennyRogers pic.twitter.com/FdWgwYjVlJ
— Jamey Johnson (@jamey_johnson) March 21, 2020
I’m very sad to learn that @_KennyRogers has passed away. Kenny was a friend who helped me in so many ways early on. He was always funny, kind and full of advice. Kenny’s legacy of great music will live on forever. My deepest condolences to Wanda & family. #RIPKennyRogers pic.twitter.com/lZo6XI3yma
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 21, 2020
Also, I woke up the news of @_KennyRogers passing. It’s not about #1s. It’s about the legacy you leave behind and he was a great man. He changed Country Music and had a voice like no other. Thank you Kenny. Thank you.
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) March 21, 2020
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— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) March 21, 2020
The loss of The Sweet Music man will take a long time to process Kenny like CASH was always bigger than life to us and no other has meant more to our career. Thank you Kenny for the lessons love, music and deep friendship … until the day .. #RestinpeaceKennyrogers pic.twitter.com/21aslusOKp
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) March 21, 2020
She Believes In Me still stops me in my tracks when I hear it. Rest easy Sweet Music Man #KennyRogers
— Kendell Marvel (@kendellmarvel) March 21, 2020
I’m going to miss my sweet friend that I’ve known through the years. I love you Kenny! ❤️❤️ #KennyRogers pic.twitter.com/zn4MKKY5Bt
— Crystal Gayle (@TheCrystalGayle) March 21, 2020
What an amazing journey Kenny Rogers had. I had the pleasure of visiting with him several times over the years. He was always very gracious to me. His music touched me from an early age.
— Tracy Lawrence (@tracy_lawrence) March 21, 2020
Kenny Rogers was the most stylistic singer ever…Ruggedly beautiful tone and a delivery that hit its mark EVERY time. He had time to make his peace and I have no doubt he is making his way thru throngs of singers and fans as he walks thru the gates! New Beginnings!!!
— Clay Walker (@ClayWalker) March 21, 2020
#RIPGambler pic.twitter.com/vQvhIx27Wu
— Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) March 21, 2020
I never even met @_KennyRogers but his passing breaks my heart. His music is a large part of the soundtrack of my life. Heaven just got one of the greatest musicians and singers this planet ever heard. Rest easy and thank you for sharing your gift with us @_KennyRogers pic.twitter.com/VU5kuOxADU
— Brandy Clark (@TheBrandyClark) March 21, 2020
No one bridged the gap between country and pop more often and better than Kenny Rogers. He will be missed, but his music and diverse style of story telling will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/J1V2dyRjm7
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) March 21, 2020
Today country music lost a legend. I had the honor of singing with @_KennyRogers at the 2013 CMA’s. Just watch everybody singing along in the audience. What joy he brought to the world. pic.twitter.com/J9lFOsbVfy
— Jennifer Nettles (@JenniferNettles) March 21, 2020
Just woke up to this news… #RIPKennyRogers https://t.co/NvSj6418c5
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) March 21, 2020
At 4, my grandpa gave me 4 albums. This was one of them. Some of the first songs I studied. I listened to over and over and over. @_kennyrogers music had a huge influence on me and still does. Thank you for sharing your artistry with us. Prayers for your family and friends pic.twitter.com/B7cUqYs0TO
— Erin Enderlin (@erinenderlin) March 21, 2020
When I first started out in this business. Kenny Rogers was one of the first really big artists that took me out on a tour. I ended up doing a couple of Christmas tours with him. He was such a great guy and would… https://t.co/McVrbvlJOm
— Mark Chesnutt (@MarkChesnutt) March 21, 2020
Lil tribute to The Gambler @_KennyRogers … one of my favorite songs ever. pic.twitter.com/Y9JmILrjG8
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) March 21, 2020
For Mr. Rogers- thank you for your music, may you rest well // @Morgan_Evans pic.twitter.com/3oFFROax6r
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) March 21, 2020
Just my small way of remembering @_KennyRogers. This is a song that Kenny wrote with Waylon Jennings (another musical hero) in mind. #RIPKennyRogers #RIPLegend #RIPLegend pic.twitter.com/zEjHHLiWKA
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 21, 2020