Kenny Rogers, country music legend, songwriter, actor and producer, passed away last year (March 20, 2020) at his home in Georgia from natural causes. He was 81.
Rogers' family honored the country legend one year after his death with a social media post.
"It's so hard to believe it's been a year since Kenny left us. As you can imagine, some days are better than others, so we wholeheartedly thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support over the last year," the statement reads. "It means so much to us."
The family thanked fans for sharing memories of the "Sweet Music Man" singer.
"The memories of Kenny and the kind words you've shared have inspired and uplifted us... brought tears to our eyes and made us laugh," the statement continued. "No matter what we're going through on any particular day, we know we will never stop missing him, and we'll forever celebrate the person he was and his extraordinary musical legacy. We can all take some comfort in knowing the music lives on!"
Kenny Rogers' Life & Legacy
According to a statement from Rogers' family, the singer "passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family."
Rogers, born in 1938 in Houston, Texas, first rose to fame with his band the First Edition (later renamed Kenny Rogers and The First Edition), with hits such as "Just Dropped In (to See What Condition My Condition Was In)," "But You Know I Love You" and "Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town."
Rogers launched his solo career in 1976 with the album Love Lifted Me. Later that year, Rogers released a self-titled album, which featured the No. 1 hit "Lucille." His 1978 album The Gambler, which featured Rogers' signature song of the same title, was a smash hit. "The Gambler" won a Grammy for Song of the Year and solidified Rogers as a country music superstar and pop crossover success. The song was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2018.
Country Music has lost the great Kenny Rogers, who has forever left a mark on Country Music's history. His family and friends are in our thoughts during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/tKPXUXU2kp
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) March 21, 2020
Rogers racked up 24 No. 1 hits throughout his career and collaborated with fellow country stars such as Dottie West and Dolly Parton. With Parton, his longtime friend, Rogers recorded several beloved songs, including "Real Love" and "Islands in the Stream." In 2013, they reunited for "You Can't Make Old Friends."
In 2012, Rogers released a memoir, Luck or Something Like It. In 2013, he published a novel, What Are the Chances.
Read More: Kenny Rogers Spent His Last Tour With His Twin Sons
In 2015, Rogers announced his retirement, explaining that he wanted to spend more time with his family.
"My life is about my wife and my 11-year-old twin boys right now. There are a lot of things I want to do together with them to create some special memories," Rogers said. "I don't have a bucket list of my own ... I have a bucket list of things I want to do with them."
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - JANUARY 24: Kenny Rogers performs at The Broward Center on January 24, 2017 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Credit: mpi04/MediaPunch /IPX
Rogers launched a farewell tour in 2015, which he continued throughout 2017, but called off the remaining dates in 2018 due to health challenges.
Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Country Music Association that same year.
Now Watch: Remembering Kenny Rogers' Songs Through the Years
