Dolly Parton will join The Gambler for his October 25 extravaganza.
For nearly four decades, ever since his career-defining hit single “The Gambler” topped the record charts, Kenny Rogers has been cautioning us to know when to hold ’em, and when to fold ’em. Now it appears he is following his own advice: In the wake of announcing his retirement from the music business last fall, he’s been on a farewell concert tour. And now, as he nears the end of the trail, Rogers has announced plans for a major celebration in Music City.
“All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers’ Farewell Concert Celebration,” described by its promoters as a “once-in-a-lifetime concert event,” is set for 7 p.m. CT Wednesday, October 25, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The all-star extravaganza will honor Rogers' historic 60-year career — and will feature what is being advertised as the “final performance together” by Rogers and his longtime friend and frequent collaborator, Dolly Parton.
“As I’m bringing this chapter of my career to a close,” Rogers said, “this will be an unforgettable way to celebrate with my talented friends, who I’m so grateful to have crossed paths with. It means so much that they would feel compelled to do this for me.
“Of course, the night would not be the same without Dolly Parton being part of it. We've enjoyed a special friendship for decades, and I’ll forever look back fondly on the many collaborations, performances, and laughs we've shared as some of the most extraordinary moments of my career. I know it will be a moving experience for us standing on that stage together for one last time.”
Dolly Parton echoed Rogers’ enthusiasm: “Kenny is like a family member to me. We have been friends for over 30 years and made musical magic together. Since 1983, when we released ‘Islands in the Stream,’ everyone has had an expectation to see Kenny everywhere I go and me with him wherever he goes. Well, I guess for many of those fans that wanted to see us together, this will be that night.
“Performing with Kenny for the last time ever on October 25th is going to be emotional for both of us,” Parton added. “But it’s also going to be very special. Even though Kenny may be retiring, as he fades from the stage, our love for each other will never fade away.”
“All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers’ Farewell Concert Celebration” also will feature performances by Little Big Town, Alison Krauss, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Jamey Johnson, Elle King, and many other special guests to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets go on sale at 10 am CT Friday, July 21, online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, and at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena box office. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation and the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center.
