The half-hour special is one of several tributes appearing on various platforms in the wake of the iconic country music artist's death.
CMT has announced plans to air CMT Remembers Kenny Rogers, a 30-minute special devoted to the life and music of the late country music icon, at 9 pm ET tonight, March 21. Katie Cook is host for the tribute, which the country music cable channel also will present at 11:30 am Sunday, March 22; 8 pm ET Monday, March 23; and 8:30 am Tuesday, March 24.
.According to CMT, the special follows Rogers’ rise to superstardom, explores his most memorable hits and collaborations, and features intimate first-hand interviews, anecdotes from country legends and live concert footage.
Meanwhile, other country artists and public figures have been paying tribute to Rogers — who was 81 when he passed away Friday at his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia — in prepared statements and on social media. Among the many:
Dolly Parton: You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone. I’ve had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend Kenny, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend.
Billy Ray Cyrus: No one bridged the gap between country and pop more often and better than Kenny Rogers. He will be missed, but his music and diverse style of storytelling will live on forever.
Trace Adkins: Every time I was in his presence he was unbelievably kind, which I appreciated because I was always star struck to the point of not being able to speak. He was a force in the music industry — one of the most distinct and recognizable voices in the history of country music, and I truly admired him. Rest easy, Gambler.
Brian Wilson: I’m really sad to hear about Kenny Rogers passing. Kenny had a wonderful voice and so many great songs. He will be missed, but we’ll always have his music. Love & Mercy to Kenny’s family.
Dan Rather: Kenny Rogers had a voice and spirit that brought a sense of harmony to the world. He was that island in the stream. At a time when the waters churn, he will be especially missed. RIP.
Charlie Daniels: Thank you Kenny Rogers for being a part of our lives for so long. Your songs are woven into the fabric of our memories — classics, that will live on in the musical heart of a world that will miss you so much. Rest in peace, Gambler.
Ricky Skaggs: Kenny Rogers was truly an artist of the highest caliber. As a singer, songwriter, entertainer, and actor, he opened doors and enhanced the careers of many other artists just by recording a song with them. His voice and smooth singing style enabled him to move in and out of different musical genres like walking from one room to the next. But music was not his only creative outlet. He was also an amazing photographer. Rest well my brother, you gave us a lot in this life!
Ray Stevens: Kenny was a nice man and a great entertainer who had a way of making a song all his own. He will be missed.
Larry Gatlin: I have lost an old friend and the world has lost a consummate entertainer. “The Gatlin Boys” did hundreds of shows with “Kenneth” as we called him. More often than not, I watched from the wings as he masterfully strutted and fretted his hour upon the stage. Last night, “The Gambler he broke even.”
John Anderson: Kenny was one of the few that successfully crossed genres. I've been a fan from a long time back, and we will all miss his voice and style.
Pam Tillis: As long as I can remember there has been Kenny Rogers. It began the moment daddy [Mel Tillis] brought home his First Edition album with the soon to be hit single “Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town.” That song put daddy on the map as a songwriter, and Kenny Rogers became a legend in the making. And I loved that voice! Many years later as a fledgling entertainer, I got to open for him and watch a true master at work. A dream come true was getting to sing with him. Totally unreal. Another special moment was having Kenny Rogers, the photographer, take one of my favorite portraits of dad and I. Ever. A true renaissance man. Kenny, thank you for a lifetime of music and memories. Sending deepest sympathies to his family.
T.G. Sheppard: Kenny Rogers was not only my friend, he was my mentor. The void he leaves will be impossible to fill. Countless memories 'Through the Years' will never leave the people's lives he so graciously touched. Rest in peace, dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to Wanda and his beautiful family.
Darryl Worley: Kenny was always very kind to me. My mother was one of his biggest fans and he was very gracious to her as well. We will surely miss that unmistakable voice.
Sammy Kershaw: What a super legend. He was always nice to me. God bless the “Sweet Music Man.”
Leroy Van Dyke: The passing of Kenny Rogers is a great loss to the entertainment industry, but his musical legacy will endure forever.
Moe Bandy: Kenny was in Branson for a time with me. What a great talent and a great legend in our business. He was always so nice to me. I always respected his talents so much.
Blake Shelton: I can’t express on Twitter the impact Kenny Rogers the artist and the man had on me. He was always very kind and fun to be around. Rest In Peace, Gambler.
Reba McEntire: Kenny, Go rest high on that mountain. Please tell mama and daddy hi for me. Thank you for your friendship and your love. We are going to miss you but we are so happy you’re singing with the Angels in heaven. Can’t wait to see you again one of these days. Rest in peace my friend.
