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Singer Kenny Rogers Reveals Star Studded Concert Will Be His Last

Singer Kenny Rogers Reveals Star Studded Concert Will Be His Last

Singer Kenny Rogers Reveals Star Studded Concert Will Be His Last

In Sept. 2015, Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Rogers, 79, announced his intention to retire from performing after one final tour. Those performances are still being scheduled through the end of 2017, but Tuesday morning, the singer announced the date of his final performance: Wednesday, Oct. 25 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Rogers spoke with Billboard about the show, “All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers’ Farewell Concert Celebration”, the show will bring together fans, friends and music icons to celebrate Rogers. “All In For The Gambler” will feature performances by Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Little Big Town, Alison Krauss, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Jamey Johnson, Elle King and many other special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

Rogers and Parton first joined their talents together in the fall of 1983 for their blockbuster Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “Islands In The Stream,” and also scored with “Real Love” (1985), “Love Is Strange” (1990), and “You Can’t Make Old Friends” (2013). It’s been over a decade since the two performed together in public and this time will be the final opportunity to see the legends together. “This will be our last time on stage – forever. It will be worthwhile to come and see that,” Rogers said. Ironically, despite their careers being linked together, they’ve rarely shared the same stage in concert. But he stresses that sharing the spotlight with Parton is something he relishes. “We do love it when we get a chance to be together. She’s everything that everybody thinks she is and more. I’m so excited about her being there. It’s hopefully going to be a night to remember for all involved.” Parton says it’s a mutual admiration society. “Kenny is like a family member to me. We have been friends for over 30 years and made musical magic together. Since 1983, when we released ‘Islands In The Stream,’ everyone has had an expectation to see Kenny everywhere I go and me with him wherever he goes,” says Parton. “Well, I guess for many of those fans that wanted to see us together, this will be that night. Performing with Kenny for the last time ever on Oct. 25 is going to be emotional for both of us, but it’s also going to be very special. Even though Kenny may be retiring, as he fades from the stage, our love for each other will never fade away.”

Rogers says he is looking forward to the event, with one minor bit of hesitation. “I’m a little uncomfortable talking about a tribute to me, but it’s going to be a fun night. It strikes me as something for me to get together with a lot of the people I have met over the years, and say goodbye legitimately.” When asked about the farewell tour itself, Rogers admits it’s been grueling yet rewarding. “I think I have worked harder in saying farewell than I have ever worked when I was busier. It’s been a wonderful opportunity for me to say goodbye and thank everyone. We started it in South Africa, then went to China and ten different countries. We’ve been everywhere just about, and it’s been a long tour. I’m glad that it’s winding down.”

As for his view on his career, he had this to say: “It’s much more than I ever expected to – and much more than I deserve. It’s really been something to behold for me. It’s very hard to put it in perspective and say ‘That was my career,’ because it wasn’t what I set out to do. I was just trying to survive in the business.”

What A Great Way To End An Amazing Singing Career, On Stage With Friends!

Susan Z’s Conclusion:

I believe Rogers will continue to perform here and there. His love of singing and performing will coax him out of retirement once in awhile but he is definitely ready to call it quits.

Ten of Swords:
This is about challenges and hard times. I feel Rogers, whether on a health or personal level has been going through some hard challenges and now wants to take the time to deal with them.

Ace of Swords: Inverted (Upside Down)
This is cutting away what no longer serves you. Since pulled inverted, I feel his retirement is somewhat bittersweet for him but necessary.

Five of Swords: Inverted
This is what I call the wuss card and being taken advantage of. Since pulled inverted, I believe this last tour was a mixed bag for Rogers, being talked into doing more than he wanted to do but still wanting to do the tour.

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