Kenny Rogers’s family issues statement after death of Islands in the Stream duet partner Dolly Parton

In the family’s heartfelt tribute to their beloved friend, Mr Rogers’s family began by addressing “our dearest Dolly”.

The statement in full read: “It’s painstakingly hard to put into words what you meant to Kenny…and to all of us.

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“When the two of you sang about being islands in the stream who together had found peace unknown, having real love for each other as true friends who would always stand by each other, and how you just can’t make old friends, it was always as genuine as it could possibly be…

“Coming straight from the heart and reflecting what you both felt for each other Saying a simple, yet sincere thank you could never be enough for bringing so much joy, laughter, and amazing songs and stories into our lives.

“Your irreplaceable spirit of compassion, positivity, friendliness, and immense generosity will live on with your remarkable legacy. We must accept that you’ve simply traded your butterfly wings in for angel wings.

“Though we write this through tears and feelings of extraordinary grief and sadness, at the same time we realize how thankful we are that you were able to live such a vibrant and meaningful life using your many God-given talents, in turn making millions of other lives better, and we are happy for you and the reunions you’re enjoying with your heavenly arrival.

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“Dolly, we will think of you every step of the way…and we will ALWAYS love you! The Rogers Family & Team K,” they signed off. (sic)

The closing words of the statement “we will ALWAYS love you” served as a deliberate nod to one of Ms Parton’s most celebrated compositions, a song she originally penned as a farewell to her mentor Porter Wagoner.

Ms Parton’s final ever Instagram post, shared just 10 days before her death, was a celebration of her iconic partnership with Mr Rogers. “43 years of ‘Islands In the Stream!’ ” she wrote, accompanying the caption with a clip of the pair performing the duet in glittering outfits.

The track, penned by the Bee Gees Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, was released in 1983 and climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the decade’s defining crossover hits and achieving multi-platinum status.

In the years after Mr Rogers’s death, Ms Parton never stopped cherishing his memory. “I miss him so much,” she told People magazine in 2023, adding that she never grew tired of hearing their voices together on stage.

Mr Rogers passed away on March 20, 2020, at the age of 81 from natural causes. Two years after that People interview, Parton endured another devastating blow when her husband Carl Dean died in 2025.

Ms Parton’s nephew Bryan Seever, who also served as head of her security detail, delivered the news of her death to the world through a video posted across her social media channels.

In the emotional announcement, Mr Seever said that Ms Parton had “lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.”

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He also revealed a poignant final wish from his aunt. Ms Parton had asked to be laid to rest in “a bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones she finally deserves a rest.”

Her publicist revealed that Ms Parton died following a brief battle with cancer. The Jolene singer publicly stated she had been dealing with ongoing health issues in recent months, having cancelled appearances and shows in May and postponed a Las Vegas residency in September.

Tributes from across the entertainment world poured in following the announcement. Actor Pedro Pascal described Ms Parton as “one of one,” whilst Keke Palmer wrote simply: “I’m devastated. Truly.”

Octavia Spencer called her “a gift to the world,” and singer Kacey Musgraves posted: “This really hurts.” Jamie Lee Curtis praised Ms Parton’s bravery and creative independence.