Kenneth Donald Rogers (August 21, 1938 – March 20, 2020) was an American singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur who achieved rare crossover success across country, pop, and folk music. Born in Houston, Texas, Rogers was known as “The Gambler” and was one of the best-selling music artists in history, with more than 120 million records sold worldwide. He passed away on March 20, 2020, at his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia, at the age of 81, from natural causes. His estimated net worth at the time of his passing was $250 million.
Rogers’s solo career took off in the late 1970s with hits including “Lucille” (1977), “The Gambler” (1978), “Coward of the County” (1979), and “Lady” (1980). His duets with Dolly Parton — most memorably “Islands in the Stream” (1983) — became some of the best-loved recordings in American popular music. He received three Grammy Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance for “The Gambler,” and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. He received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 CMAs — his final major public appearance before his passing.
Kenny Rogers was married five times and had five children. His final marriage was to Wanda Miller, whom he married in 1997 and with whom he had twin sons, Justin and Jordan, born in 2004. He was also known for his passion for photography and the Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurant chain.
Kenny Rogers’s warm baritone, gift for storytelling, and ability to connect with audiences across musical genres made him one of the most beloved entertainers of the 20th century. He is remembered as a consummate performer, a generous colleague, and a genuine American original.