
Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers
Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
CMT Announces Kenny Rogers Tribute Special With Dolly Parton, Jason Isbell & More To Benefit MusiCares
CMT has announced plans to pay tribute to the late Kenny Rogers with a star-studded special. “CMT Giants Kenny Rogers: A Benefit for MusiCares” will air April 8 and feature at-home performances by Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Lady Antebellum, Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, Randy Houser and more.
The special will also benefit for the MusiCares organization’s COVID-19 relief fund, as viewers can donate throughout the special. Established by the Recording Academy and MusiCares, the fund has seen mounting support from artists, companies, organization and charities.
“Kenny Rogers transcended genres and generations with his musical versatility, legendary collaborations and timeless appeal, and we’re honored to pay tribute to his legacy,” Margaret Comeaux, the show’s executive producer and CMT’s VP of production, music & events said in a statement. “Particularly in these turbulent times, we’ll stop and take a moment to allow the memory of our dear friend Kenny to bring us together and inspire us to lend support to those in the music community who are most in need.”
Rogers passed away just last month at age 81. The three-time GRAMMY-winning country music icon scored 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and 12 No. 1 hits on the Top Country Albums chart. He also received the Recording Academy's President's Merit Award in 1986, was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2013, and earned the Country Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and the Artist Of A Lifetime Award at the CMT Artists Of The Year 2015.
"As one of the first artists to successfully master the country/pop crossover, Rogers touched the lives of millions worldwide and led the way for many notable artists who followed," Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy said in a statement. "This is a great loss for the music industry, but his influence and legacy will continue. We're thinking of his loved ones during this difficult time."
“CMT Giants Kenny Rogers: A Benefit for MusiCares” will premiere April 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CMT, and air again April 11 at noon as well as on MTV Live April 10 at 8.
Learn more about how you can donate to or apply for assistance via the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Learn more about the financial, medical and personal emergencies services and resources offered by the Recording Academy and MusiCares.