Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton have been singing together for over 30 years, and they’re about to share the stage one last time. On Wednesday night in Nashville, Dolly, who is 71, will join Kenny, who is 79, for his very last concert. Kenny has been singing for 60 years, and this show is his big goodbye.
Their first song together, “Islands in the Stream,” came out in 1983 and was a huge hit. It made them super famous as a singing team. They’ve sung other great songs too, like “Love is Strange,” “Real Love,” and “You Can’t Make Old Friends.” People love how they sound together.
A TV show called TODAY had a reporter named Dylan Dreyer talk to Kenny and Dolly. She asked why they never became a couple in real life, even though they sing so well together. Kenny laughed and said, “She’s hard to look at!” Dolly giggled and said, “I’m not his type!” They explained they’re just really good friends, almost like brother and sister.
Their friendship has lasted a long time, and it’s why their songs are so special. At the concert called “All in for the Gambler,” they’ll sing together again. Kenny has sold over 100 million albums and has tons of hit songs. He’s even in the Country Music Hall of Fame!
Dolly said she’s not too sad about Kenny stopping his shows because they’ll still be friends. She thinks they might even sing together sometimes just for fun. They like the same jokes and people, which makes them get along so well. Dolly even tells Kenny not to tell anyone she made up some of the jokes they laugh at!
Fans voted “Islands in the Stream” the best country duet ever in 2005, but Dolly likes “You Can’t Make Old Friends” best because it feels personal to her and Kenny. Kenny says “Islands” brings back good memories of when they first sang it.
The song “Islands in the Stream” was written by a group called the Bee Gees. Kenny was recording it in his studio, but he wasn’t happy with it after days of trying. The writer, Barry Gibb, said, “We need Dolly Parton!” Luckily, Dolly was nearby. Kenny’s manager found her downstairs, and she came right up to sing. After that, the song became amazing!
This last concert is a big moment for Kenny and Dolly’s fans. It’s a chance to hear them sing together and celebrate all the happy music they’ve made.
