Dolly Parton, Lady Antebellum & More To Honor the Late Kenny Rogers On Upcoming CMT Special

Dolly Parton, Lady Antebellum, Vince Gill and more have been tapped to appear on a just-announced Kenny Rogers tribute coming to CMT.

CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares will celebrate the life and music of the late country music icon. Also featuring virtual performances and interviews from Gavin DeGraw, Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Jennifer Nettles, Lionel Richie, Michael McDonald, Randy Houser, Rascal Flatts and more, the special will premiere Wednesday, April 8 at 8 PM ET/PT on CMT. An encore presentation will air on MTV Live at 8:00 PM ET/PT on April 10 and again on CMT at 12:00 PM ET/PT on April 11.

“Kenny Rogers transcended genres and generations with his musical versatility, legendary collaborations and timeless appeal, and we’re honored to pay tribute to his legacy,” shared Margaret Comeaux, executive producer, CMT. “Particularly in these turbulent times, we’ll stop and take a moment to allow the memory of our dear friend Kenny to bring us together and inspire us to lend support to those in the music community who are most in need.”

CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares will also include rare photos, interviews and performances, with clips and commentary from Kenny Rogers himself. During the show, fans will have the chance to make a donation to the MusiCares® COVID-19 Relief Fund in Rogers’ honor. The fund was established to provide critical funds directly to the thousands of music creators and industry professionals who have the greatest need due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Half of all money raised will go directly to Nashville’s country music community.

“The resilience and strength of the country music community is heartwarming,” said Debbie Carroll, Vice President, Health and Human Services MusiCares. “Our deepest gratitude to the Rogers Family and CMT for designating MusiCares as the beneficiary of this broadcast. Their support will help the thousands of music professionals in need of assistance with rent, utilities, food and other basic necessities. I’m proud to call Nashville home and I’m so fortunate to be a member of this community.”

Donations can be made by texting KENNYCARES to 41444 or visiting musicares.org/kennycares during the broadcast. Members of the music industry who are in need of assistance can visit musicares.org.

Kenny Rogers has a long, celebrated history with CMT. The legendary performer was honored with the Artist of a Lifetime award during the 2015 CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. He previously appeared on an episode of CMT Crossroads with Lionel Richie and also appeared during CMT 100 Greatest Duets to sing “Islands in the Stream” alongside Dolly Parton.