Kenny Rogers’ Widow, Wanda, Speaks For The First Time On The Death Of Her Husband

Kenny Rogers was known for his rich voice and memorable hits like “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands in the Stream,” and “Lucille,” among many others. The singer received numerous accolades throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Country Music Association. He sold over 100 million records worldwide and became one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

In 2017, Rogers’ remarkable seven-decade career ended after he retired from touring due to health complications amidst his bladder cancer diagnosis. Sadly, on March 20, 2020, the iconic musician passed away at 81 while receiving hospice care at his Sandy Springs, Georgia, home.

Kenny Rogers’ widow breaks silence on her husband, Kenny Rogers’ death

In her first interview since the passing of her late husband, Kenny Rogers, Wanda, the fifth and last wife of the singer, candidly shared her feelings and experiences regarding her profound loss. In her discussion with PEOPLE, she revealed that the death of her husband had greatly affected her life and the family.

RELATED: Dolly Parton Honors Kenny Rogers In Heartfelt Tribute

“You would think Kenny was the most average guy. He was never pretentious, and he sort of taught [the boys] that. He never needed any special attention,” Wanda admitted. “I miss his love, his support. I miss his touch. I miss everything about him. I wish we could have that one last conversation just to say, ‘Are you good? Are you OK?'”

Wanda is committed to keeping her husband’s legacy

Wanda has embarked on a profound journey to discover ways to honor and preserve Rogers’s memory and legacies. In June, she undertook the task of curating a remarkable album Life Is Like a Song, a compilation of deeply personal tracks that Rogers recorded between 2008 and 2011.

Wanda explained to PEOPLE that she made the album to keep the late singer’s memories alive. “I want to make sure his legacy grows and stays alive,” she told the news outlet. “I think Kenny would be beyond happy and proud of the album. Kenny’s whole thing was he always wanted to say in a song what every man wanted to say and every woman wanted to hear. I think this would fall right into that category.”