Dolly Parton

Kenny Rogers’ family is remembering Dolly Parton with an emotional message that reflects just how genuine the friendship between the two country legends really was. Following Parton’s death at 80 on August 25, Rogers’ family and team shared a touching letter alongside a photo of the longtime duet partners performing together. According to Public, the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton friendship stretched across decades, producing unforgettable songs, tours, and television appearances. But according to Rogers’ family, the affection audiences saw whenever the pair shared a stage was never simply part of the performance. Their bond remained deeply personal until Rogers’ death in 2020. Kenny Rogers’ Family Says Their Friendship Was the Real Thing View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kenny Rogers (@_kennyrogers) Addressing Parton as “Our Dearest Dolly,” Rogers’ family said it was difficult to express what she had meant to Kenny and to those closest to him. They looked back on songs including “Islands in the Stream,” “Real Love," and “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” saying the emotions behind those collaborations reflected the genuine friendship the singers shared. 21 March 2020 - Country music legend Kenny Rogers has died at age 81. File Photo: 2009, Hamilton Place Theatre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Photo Credit: Brent Perniac/AdMedia The family also thanked Parton for the joy, laughter, and stories she brought into their lives while celebrating her generosity and compassion. In one particularly tender image, they wrote that she had traded her famous butterfly wings for angel wings. They ended their tribute with a fitting reference to one of her signature songs, promising they would always love her. ‘Islands in the Stream’ Became Part of Their Lasting Legacy KENNY AND DOLLY: A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER, from left: Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton (aired December 2, 1984). ©CBS / courtesy Everett Collection Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton became one of country music’s most beloved duos after “Islands in the Stream” in 1983. Their friendship lasted long beyond the song’s success, with more collaborations following over the years. After Rogers died in 2020, Parton often spoke about how deeply she missed him and how much she still cherished their music together. DOLLY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF DOLLYWOOD (from left): Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, 2010. Photo: Alexx Henry / ©Crown Media U.S. / Courtesy: Everett Collection Now, Rogers’ family is offering the same kind of farewell Parton once gave him. Their message joins tributes from across country music following her death, with stars and organizations remembering not only her songwriting and unmistakable voice but also her kindness and generosity. For longtime fans, the tribute adds one final emotional chapter to a friendship preserved forever in music. Kenny and Dolly may no longer be here to sing together, but every time “Islands in the Stream” plays, listeners can still hear the warmth that made their partnership feel so special.