Pictured: Kenny Rogers’ wife Wanda speaking at his memorial service on March 20, 2022 at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Ben Gray
Friends and family of the late Kenny Rogers gathered this weekend to finally memorialize his life and legacy, two years after he died. The service had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Sunday (March 20) a small group of the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s close friends, family and band members gathered at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia to pay their respects. The ceremony was hosted by long-time touring partners Linda Davis and Billy Dean, and over fifteen speakers memorialized Rogers with stories and kind words.
The ceremony concluded with Dr. T. Lynn Smith and a gospel choir singing “Amazing Grace,” along with a pre-recorded Rogers vocal, and a performance of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” a favorite of the country legend. Brigadier General (Ret.) Richard McPhee gave Rogers an Irish sendoff as guests left the site.
At the reception, a brand new lyric video for Rogers’ song “Goodbye” was debuted for the first time ever.
According to a statement, the Rogers family would like to extend a public invitation for fans to visit his final resting place at the Oakland Cemetery. Details on visiting the site can be found at oaklandcemetery.com.
In his six-decade career, Rogers made an indelible mark on country music with enduring songs such as “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” and “Through the Years.” In addition to being a Country Music Hall of Fame member, Rogers’ career achievements included 24 No. 1 hits, six CMA awards, three Grammy awards, the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, CMT’s Artist of a Lifetime Award, and more.
Rogers died on on March 20, 2020 at the age of 81.
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