JUST IN: Music legend Kenny Rogers passes on at 81

The family of country music legend Kenny Rogers has announced the passing away late on Friday at the age of 81.

Rogers, whose career spanned six decades, “passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family,” they said in a statement.

The family said they were planning a small private service “out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency.”

A three-time Grammy winner, Rogers was known for a string of hits including “The Gambler,” “Lucille” and “Islands in the Stream.”

In 2018 Rogers scrapped the final dates of his farewell tour due to health concerns.

Born in Texas, Rogers started his career in the late 1950s and quickly became active in rockabilly, jazz and other genres that he brought into his country style.

He went on to have 24 number one hits, was a six-time Country Music Awards winner and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

His easygoing ballads and constant touring won him mainstream pop appeal, as have his popular takes on Christmas standards.

Rogers also came to prominence through his collaboration with Dolly Parton and appearances on films and television programs including “The Muppet Show.”

(AFP)