Randy Travis, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and More Remember Kenny Rogers

The country music community is mourning the loss of Country Music Hall of Famer Kenny Rogers. The music icon died “peacefully at home” on Friday (March 20) at the age of 81 years old.

While millions of fans are mourning the loss of “The Gambler,” friends of Rogers’ and fellow artists are paying homage to the musical icon with beautiful tributes.

His longtime friend and frequent collaborator, Dolly Parton, was one of the first to pay tribute to Rogers with a tearful video saying “I will always love you.”

Other stars, including Randy Travis, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Jake Owen, Reba McEntire, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tracy Lawrence, Jennifer Nettles, LeAnn Rimes and Charles Esten, also took time to pay tribute to the late Kenny Rogers.

Here’s what they had to say:

“With sadness I heard about the passing of a great Hall of Famer. Kenny Rogers was a special treasure to country music and the world. He will be missed by all.” -Randy Owen, ALABAMA

“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

“Kenny Rogers was truly an artist of the highest caliber. As a singer, songwriter, entertainer, and actor, he opened doors and enhanced the careers of many other artists just by recording a song with them. His voice and smooth singing style enabled him to move in and out of different musical genres like walking from one room to the next. But music was not his only creative outlet. He was also an amazing photographer. Rest well my brother, you gave us a lot in this life!” -Ricky Skaggs

“Kenny Rogers was a dear family friend and he was one of the kindest, nicest guys. A true gentleman. I had the privilege sharing the stage with him as well as on screen, in the film Rio Diablo. The Judds were honored to celebrate him a few years ago during his tribute concert. Rest In Peace, Kenny. We love you.” –Naomi Judd

“What a career, what a talent, what a legacy. Now this world is left with a big shadow, center stage where Kenny Rogers stood. No one else can take his place. Now he’s taken his place amongst the Heavenly stars. It’s a very sad day for all of us. But God is smiling. Rest easy my friend.” –Tanya Tucker

“The world has lost a great artist and interpreter of songs. I had the honor of announcing his election to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and was thrilled when I realized how much it meant to him. Even after all the other honors he had won, he was truly excited about this one. His accomplishments will live forever.” –Bill Anderson

“In a time such as the days we are living through, Kenny Rogers embraces a known bright tomorrow. He left the pain in this world and has moved onto the shores of the everlasting. To his family we send our deepest condolences.” -Marty Raybon, Shenandoah

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

😔 one of the greatest songwriters and voices of our genre. sad day in music. https://t.co/trUNTop8Se

— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) 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

My heart is aching with the country music community over the loss of a legend, Kenny Rogers. His music impacted and shaped so many of our lives. Country music will never be the same 💔

— Carly Pearce (@carlypearce) March 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/JenniferNettles/status/1241411264229900297?s=20

Sing your song sweet music man, I believe in you…RIP @_KennyRogers you will always be one of the greats. pic.twitter.com/z435P9g4QB

— Easton Corbin (@eastoncorbin) March 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/billyraycyrus/status/1241397244747747334?s=20

I remember my great aunt Lucille paying me a quarter to sing Kenny’s "Lucille" to her when I was 7 or 8 years old. I’ve always considered that my first paid performance. His music and movies will always be a part of us. Rest in peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/fNpkttKVZ1

— Tracy Lawrence (@tracy_lawrence) March 21, 2020

We will miss you @_KennyRogers You are and forever will be quite the legend. #thegambler #ripkennyrogers https://t.co/ur0clc3cHP

— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) 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