JUST IN: Country Music Legend Kenny Rogers Is Dead

Kenny Rogers, country music legend whose career spanned six decades, has died at the age of 81.

According to a statement from his family, “Kenny Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family,”

The family said they were planning a small private service “out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency.”

A three-time Grammy winner, Kenny Rogers was known for a string of hits including “The Gambler,” “Lucille” and “Islands in the Stream.”

In 2018 Rogers scrapped the final dates of his farewell tour due to health concerns.

Born in Texas, Rogers started his career in the late 1950s and quickly became active in rockabilly, jazz and other genres that he brought into his country style.

He went on to have 24 number one hits, was a six-time Country Music Awards winner and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame

His easygoing ballads and constant touring won him mainstream pop appeal, as have his popular takes on Christmas standards.

Kenny Rogers also came to prominence through his collaboration with Dolly Parton and appearances on films and television programs including “The Muppet Show.”