Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton are back together on a brand new duet, "You Can't Make Old Friends," which will be included on Rogers' next album. The singers recorded the duet nearly 30 years to the day when they recorded "Islands in the Stream," their 1983 hit that remains one of the most recognizable duets in country music history.

"What a thrill it was for me to work again with my buddy, Dolly Parton, and what a special song," Rogers says. "Working with Dolly is always a little like going home. Everything felt comfortable."

Rogers' upcoming album, also titled You Can't Make Old Friends, will be released on Oct. 8 on Warner Bros Records. It's his first new country album in seven years.

"I can honestly say this may be the best album I've ever recorded," he says. "The musical diversity is extraordinary. It goes from songs I would normally sing to songs I would normally never even listen to. In this business, you do albums to both grow artistically, and for the sheer love of music. We chose what I think are the most diverse and best songs I've ever had access to."

Rogers was revealed as an inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame earlier this year. His formal induction will take place next month.

In addition, the paperback edition of his autobiography, Luck or Something Like It, will be released on Sept. 27. What Are the Chances, a novel Rogers co-wrote with Mike Blakely, arrived in stores Tuesday (Sept. 3).

Rogers will perform at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Sept. 25.