The country music world is not going to let the coronavirus pandemic stop them from paying tribute to legendary singer Kenny Rogers, who passed away last month at the age of 81. In fact, country music stars like Dolly Parton and Jennifer Nettles are coming together to give Rogers the sendoff he deserves in the best way possible.
CMT has confirmed to Fox News that Parton and other stars like Nettles and Lionel Ritchie will be taking part in “virtual performances” in the upcoming special “CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares,” which will air on April 8. The performances will be filmed live in the singers’ homes and will be intercut with “rare archival photos, interviews and performances, with clips and commentary from Rogers himself.”
While the full list of performers who will perform has yet to be announced, the lineup already includes Gavin DeGraw, Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Lady Antebellum, Michael McDonald, Randy Houser, Rascal Flatts, and Vince Gill.
The tribute special will also aim to raise money for the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, which provides funds to “thousands of music creators and industry professionals who have the greatest need due to the Coronavirus pandemic.” In addition, half of the money raised will be donated to the Nashville country community.
Rogers died on March 20 at his home in Georgia of natural causes. “The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25 PM at the age of 81,” his family said in a statement the day after his passing. “Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family.”
On the morning after Rogers’ death, his longtime friend and collaborator Parton posted an emotional video in which she honored him. “You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone,” the singer wrote alongside the video. “I’ve had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend.”
“So you be safe with God and just know that I will always love you,” she added.
A country music special is exactly the kind of sendoff Rogers would have wanted, and we have no doubt that he would also be pleased that it will be used to benefit coronavirus relief efforts. We can’t wait to watch the special next week, and we’ll be sure to have some tissues handy when we do!
This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.
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