Let’s talk about the iconic duo of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Over the years, there were whispers and rumors swirling around their relationship. Did they have something more than just a professional bond? Well, Kenny’s ex-wife, Marianne Gordon, spilled the tea in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly. And guess what? She wasn’t fazed by those romance rumors one bit.
Inside Marianne Gordon's Thoughts on Kenny and Dolly's Bond
In her candid conversation, Marianne revealed that the idea of Kenny and Dolly having a romantic connection never bothered her. "I never felt uncomfortable at all. I just knew him so well," she explained during the interview, which aired on Tuesday, March 24. She went on to share a funny story about how their tennis pro, Doug Dean, even asked her about it. But her response was simple: Kenny valued their friendship and stage chemistry too much to risk it. "There is sexual tension and teasing each other, and it would screw it up," she added.
Could Dolly Have Made a Move?
Now, here’s where things get interesting. While Marianne wasn’t worried about Kenny’s intentions, she did admit that Dolly Parton might have had some thoughts of her own. "Dolly might have [made a move though]," Marianne speculated. "It’s entered my mind because she always said she thought like a man. I don’t mean it badly. Dolly is a fun girl." But despite any potential flirtation, Marianne trusted Kenny wholeheartedly. "He sincerely felt they had a cute thing going, and if anything happened between them, they’d ruin that," she emphasized.
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A Lasting Legacy of Friendship
Marianne and Kenny were married for 16 years before parting ways in 1997. Even after Kenny remarried Wanda Miller, the rumors about him and Dolly refused to fade. However, Kenny always made it clear that their relationship was purely platonic. In a past episode of Dolly, he explained, "One of the things that affect a relationship when you’re working with someone is your upbringing and your background. She’s a very special person who has a very special place in my life." Their friendship stood the test of time, proving that some bonds are truly unbreakable.
When Kenny passed away on March 20, 2020, due to "natural causes," Dolly took to Instagram to honor their friendship. "You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone," she wrote. "I’ve had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend Kenny, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend." Her heartfelt tribute ended with a simple yet powerful message: "So you be safe with God and just know that I will always love you, Dolly."
