Introduction
Kenny Rogers Reflects on Duets, Dolly Parton, and a Life in Music
When Kenny Rogers sat down to reflect on his legendary duet “Islands in the Stream” with Dolly Parton, he shared the fascinating backstory behind the song. Written by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, the track wasn’t originally meant for Rogers — or even for country music. “Barry had written it for an R&B singer,” Rogers recalled. “But when that didn’t work out, he brought it to me. I tried recording it solo for four days, and finally told him, ‘Barry, I don’t even like this song anymore.’” That’s when Gibb suggested bringing in Dolly Parton. “I’d only met her once, but she happened to be in the building. We asked her to join us — and once she walked into that room, everything changed.”
The chemistry between Rogers and Parton became legendary, but Rogers was quick to clarify: “People thought there was something romantic going on. But I met her husband, and I was married to Marianne at the time. We flirted for 30 years, and that’s what made it special — the tension, the playfulness. If we had crossed the line, we would’ve lost that magic.”
Their enduring friendship culminated in the heartfelt 2013 duet You Can’t Make Old Friends, written by Don Schlitz, the songwriter behind The Gambler. “That song really touches on what it means to grow older with someone by your side,” Rogers said. “During the recording, Dolly hugged me and said, ‘Kenny, I could never sing at your funeral.’ I just laughed and said, ‘So you’re assuming I’ll go first?’”
He also spoke fondly of the “We Are the World” project, where he joined fellow icons like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Diana Ross. “It was humbling to walk into that room full of legends,” he said. “But it reminded us that music has the power to bring people together in difficult times.”
Beyond music, Rogers was an avid photographer. He once photographed Michael Jackson — who brought his chimpanzee Bubbles to the shoot — and took poignant images that inspired songs, including one about a homeless man called “Mike in the Box.” “Even someone in the darkest place has a story, a past, and love,” Rogers said.
Though not a prolific writer by nature, Rogers believed in emotional songwriting. “I write when it means something, especially around Christmas,” he shared. “I even co-wrote a musical for Broadway called The Toy Shop. That’s the kind of work that stays with you.”