Lionel Richie Writes Emotional Note In Memory Of Close Friend Kenny Rogers

Mar 22, 2020

The sad news that 81-year-old Kenny Rogers passed away last Friday due to natural causes hit the music industry hard. In particular it hit Lionel Richie hard. The "Hello" singer is currently grieving for one of his best friends, and expressed his sadness and gratitude in an Instagram post.

The 70-year-old "American Idol" judge wrote on his post:

"Today I lost one of my closest friends. So much laughter so many adventures to remember, my heart is broken. My prayers go out to Kenny’s Family."

The post was accompanied by a slideshow of images that spanned their decades-long friendship, and proved how close the two artists were.

Richie and Rogers’ friendship began in 1980 when Richie wrote a song for Rogers. The song was called “Lady” and was a huge hit for Rogers. Since then the two singers have always kept a very close personal and professional relationship. Many other celebrities also echoed Richie’s sentiments in supportive posts referring to how Rogers had influenced and impacted their lives.

Keith Urban, 52, tweeted: "THANK YOU KENNY ROGERS - for decades of genre bending music and collaborations - for making music that travelled the globe .. and songs that became common threads for people from all walks of life !! GO REST HIGH BROTHER. With love and deep appreciation."

Reba McEntire, 64, posted a photograph of herself and Rogers, and wrote: "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." And Blake Shelton, 43, also expressed the impact Rogers had on him.

During the Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert in Las Vegas in 2012 Rogers also spoke about his early memories of his friendship with Richie and invited him on stage to perform with him. "He's not just a friend of mine, but the song he wrote was truly a changing point in my career," Rogers said.

Singing icons often leave behind a musical legacy, but Kenny Rogers has left behind many sad friends who will miss him greatly. Share this moving story with any Kenny Rogers or Lionel Richie fans.