Kenny Rogers Dies at the Age of 81

Country Music Icon Passes Away

Legendary Singer, Songwriter, and Actor Leaves Behind a Musical Legacy

Country music legend Kenny Rogers has passed away at the age of 81, his publicist Keith Hagan confirmed to CNN. Rogers had a six-decade-long career that spanned music, film, and television.

Rogers first gained recognition as a solo artist in 1978 with the release of his hit song "The Gambler." The song became a crossover success, topping the charts in both the country and pop genres. He followed up with a string of hits, including "Lucille," "Lady," and "Islands in the Stream," a duet with Dolly Parton.

In addition to his music career, Rogers also starred in a number of movies and television shows, including the title roles in the "Kenny Rogers as The Gambler" film series and the "MacShayne" series for NBC.