Dolly Parton Honors Kenny Rogers with ‘I Will Always Love You’ at His Final Concert

During Kenny Rogers’ final curtain call, Dolly Parton graced the stage to deliver her iconic melody “I Will Always Love You,” marking a poignant moment at Rogers’ 2017 goodbye concert in Nashville, Tennessee. Rogers departed this life on March 20, 2020, at the age of 81 in his Georgia residence.

Ever since their hit duet “Islands in the Stream” captivated audiences in the 1980s, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton shared a bond that transcended their musical partnership, nurturing a deep friendship that lasted until Rogers’ farewell performance in 2017, as noted by Rolling Stone. This event signified not only the conclusion of Rogers’ illustrious career but also the final collaboration between the two legendary artists.

The concert, which featured performances by country music luminaries like Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, and Lionel Richie, saw Parton joining Rogers onstage, as reported by People. Their reunion was a deeply moving highlight of the evening, captivating the hearts of everyone at the fully packed Bridgestone Arena. Parton’s performance was a tender homage to Rogers, reflecting their enduring friendship and mutual respect.

Before singing, Parton shared with the audience, “There’s a part of you that will forever be untouched by anyone else. I’ll keep that part of you with me always, and I want to sing this song for you,” as per People.

With Rogers watching from the sidelines, Parton sang “I Will Always Love You,” a gesture filled with emotion and nostalgia. Yet, the evening couldn’t conclude on such a reflective note. They had one more song to share, their memorable “Islands in the Stream,” culminating in Rogers’ final public appearance. The duo ended their performance and, symbolically, Rogers’ six-decade-long career, by dropping their microphones, a dramatic finale that underscored Rogers’ legacy in country music.

Following Rogers’ passing, tributes flowed in from all corners, including a heartfelt video from Parton herself on Instagram, where she expressed her profound loss and enduring love for Rogers, mirroring the sentiments of their last duet together.