Chronicle: As previously reported via Breaking News (Chronicle 3/21), Country Music Hall of Famer Kenny Rogers passed away from natural causes March 20 surrounded by family while in hospice care. He was 81. Born Aug. 21, 1938 in Houston, Rogers began his recording career in the late '50s with Houston-based group the Scholars. In the '60s, he became a member of folk ensemble The New Christy Minstrels before he and other members left to form pop-rock group The First Edition in 1967.

Rogers embarked on a solo career in the mid-'70s, forming notable duet partnerships with Dolly Parton, Dottie West, Anne Murray, Sheena Easton, Kim Carnes and others. His career spanned more than six decades with crossover success and chart toppers including "The Gambler," "Lady," "Islands In The Stream," "Lucille," "She Believes In Me," "Through The Years" and "Buy Me A Rose." Both "Lady" – written by Lionel Richie – and the Bee Gees-penned Parton duet "Islands In The Stream" landed atop both Country and Pop charts. In 1978, "The Gambler" became a signature crossover hit and persona he would develop for a series of television films. He was also a restauranteur, author and award-winning photographer.

With 24 No. 1 hits, six CMA Awards, three Grammy Awards, the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award and CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award to his credit, Rogers took his place in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 (see our coverage here). He announced his The Gambler's Last Deal farewell tour in 2015 and was able to keep it going through December 2017. A&E is planning a special, "Biography: Kenny Rogers," set to air April 13, which is said to be built largely around footage from the all-star salute Rogers received at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena Oct. 25, 2017. Married five times, Rogers is survived by wife Wanda Rogers and five children. The family is planning a small, private service at this time due to concern surrounding the national coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They look forward to celebrating Rogers' life publicly with friends and fans at a later date. Look for additional tributes and industry reaction to Rogers' passing in tonight's (3/23) Country Aircheck Weekly.