Dolly Parton Reveals What Kenny Rogers Really Meant to Her as She Gushes over Friendship

In a recent interview, Dolly Parton recalled her friendship with Kenny Rogers. The award-winning singer will always hold a piece of the late singer close to her heart.

On a new episode of "The Zane Lowe Show," Dolly Parton said she loved Kenny Rogers to death. She first met the iconic songwriter in the 1970s and have collaborated on a series of duets.

"Kenny was like a soulmate of mine," the 74-year-old shared during the episode, "At Home With Dolly Parton," in November. "We were like brother and sister in a way, but we were really like best friends. We loved each other to death."

According to the "Jolene" singer, everything people saw and heard about her and Rogers was real. Although the pair shared an undeniable connection, Parton insisted it was always platonic.

Parton, who made her album debut in 1967 with "Hello, I'm Dolly," is very thankful to have experienced so many milestones with Rogers by her side.

In the 1970s, the Grammy Awards winner first met Rogers when she was headlining a television show, titled Dolly, according to The List. All through their successful careers, the pair have spent many times on the road, which solidified their friendships.

In a 2012 interview, Rogers discussed what made him and Parton's friendship very special to their fans. According to him, they had real chemistry, and they liked everyone to talk about it.

In March 2020, Rogers passed away from natural causes at 81 years old.

Parton and Rogers recorded their final duet, "You Can't Make Old Friends," in 2013. By doing this song, the two had "connected personally," Rogers said at the end of the video for their iconic song.

Meanwhile, Parton said that she and Rogers have to make this song that suits many people and certainly suits them. The pair's other notable songs are "Islands in the Stream" and "Real Love."

Rogers retired from the music industry in 2017. Prior to his retirement, the legendary singer gave one final tour. Parton was present for his farewell tour. During the show, Rogers suffered from knee pain and other ailments, and Parton supported him.

Meanwhile, in an interview, Rogers' ex-wife, Marianne Gordon, shared her take on Rogers' relationship with Parton, as reported by Outsider. She said she was convinced nothing had ever happened despite the "sexual tension" between the pair.

But Gordon admitted that she speculated Parton of making a move on her ex-husband. Gordon ended her relationship with Rogers in 1993. Rogers then tied the knot with Wanda Miller four years later.

In March 2020, Rogers passed away from natural causes at 81 years old. He is survived by Miller, the singer's fifth wife, and his five children, Carole, Christopher, Kenny Jr., Justin, and Jordan.