What’s the truth about Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' relationship?
When it comes to country music, few stars are more iconic thanDolly Parton.
There’s areason that Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers never dated, as it turns out.
Curious to learn more about what really went on between this legendary music duo?
Here is the truth about the decades-long relationship between Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.
The pair first met in the ’70s, when Parton was headlining a television show calledDolly.
However, the pair didn’t exactly hit it off immediately.
“I was just another guest in the mix of her very busy schedule” (viaThe Atlantic).
It all started when Rogers asked Barry Gibb of Bee Gees fame to produce his 1983 album.
Rogers was struggling during the recording of “Islands in the Stream.”
I finally told him I didn’t even like the song anymore," (viaThe Atlantic).
Apparently, Gibb immediately suggested that they turn the song into a duet by bringing in Dolly Parton.
Luckily enough, Parton happened to be in the same studio on the same day.
No wonder it wasone of Kenny Rogers' favorite songs he ever did.
In fact, the pair have seemingly always been as thick as thieves.
Naturally, Rogers was a little taken aback by the morbid comment!
Nevertheless, Rogers called the moment his favorite memory of his friend.
“I love her for that,” he gushed.
“You never know she’s going to say, but it always comes from love.”
Talk about a touching, meaningful moment no wonder Rogers held the incredible memory so close to his heart!
As their partnership became more and more popular, the duo started to tour together.
It was on these trips that Parton and Rogers' friendship truly solidified.
She also shared that their respective band members all got along well together too.
“Everybody was like family,” she gushed.
“Kenny was always like a relative to me.”
Parton called it “one of the best times I’ve ever had in my life.”
Their unique relationship was due in part to how comfortable they evidently felt in each other’s company.
As Parton once explained, she used to take a seriously playful tone with her friend (viaBiography).
“You know, pinch him on the butt or whatever.”
In 2012, Rogers spoke toCBS Newsabout what made their relationship so special for fans.
And people certainly did talk about it!
It makes you wonderwhat Kenny Rogers' ex-wife had to say about Dolly Parton!
No wonder people couldn’t get enough of watching these two perform together.
In the song, Parton and Rogers sing about what life would be like if the other was gone.
According toThe Boot, Rogers asked Schlitz to write the song for him and Parton to sing.
As Schlitz explained, the song is “obviously very meaningful for the two of them.”
What a sweet and incredibly important book end for their long journey as a musical duo.
1 on the Hot 100 list, according toBillboard.
The pair even recorded a joint Christmas album in 1984 (viaA Taste of Country)!
It’s clear that their working relationship just, well, worked.
Parton and Rogers spoke about their favorite songs from their long career in avideo interview.
She also reminisced about the time they sang, “I Will Always Love You” together.
However, both agreed that “Islands in the Stream” holds the most memories for them both.
We can’t say we blame them for having a hard time picking just one favorite song!
However,Dolly Parton does have a favorite song she wrote.
AsA Taste of Countryreported, Dolly Parton was, of course, present for the farewell tour.
“How about a hand for this guy right here, is he not something!”
she screamed as they entered the stage.
She later said, “Kenny, of course, says he’s retiring.”
She then playfully added, “I want to see what condition your condition is really in.
He looks good to me!”
Did Dolly Parton ever make a move on Kenny Rogers?
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers always firmly denied rumors of romance.
Gordon and Rogers were together for 16 years, until their divorce in 1997.
Perhaps that masculine energy isone of the reasons Dolly Parton never had kids.
Gordon went on to explain that Rogers had been open about his feelings and intentions at the time.
The pair spoke toTodayin 2017 about why a romance never happened.
He explained that it was more fun!
Plus, both singers had pretty eventful love lives of their own.
What’sthe real reason you never see Dolly Parton’s husband, anyway?
In fact, even though the pair were never romantically involved, they still regard each other as soulmates.
“Kenny’s friendship means more to me than our hit records,” Parton toldAskAnythingChatin 2017.
“Actually, we’re kind of like little soulmates.”
Rogers also feels the same was that Parton does about their connection.
Parton explained, “There are different kinds of soulmates.”
When Rogers appeared on theBobby Bones Show, he told a funny story about how their special friendship worked.
What a seriously adorable friendship!
Naturally, it was no surprise that his old friend Dolly Parton was heartbroken by his death.
We’re so sorry for your loss, Dolly.
A few days later, Parton spoke toTodayabout his passing.
She explained that the news shook her, and left her feeling extremely emotional for several days.
We think it’s safe to say that all of their fans feel the same way.
