As we say goodbye to a true icon, Kenny Rogers' ex-wife, Marianne Gordon, takes a moment to reflect on their shared life after his passing. In an exclusive conversation with Closer Weekly, she shares, "He was an incredible person, a man who touched so many lives." Marianne opens up about the man behind the music, painting a heartfelt picture of their relationship.
Marianne first crossed paths with Kenny back in 1974. Their love story blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1977 and the arrival of their son, Christopher Cody Rogers, in 1981. Recalling those days, the 74-year-old admits, "It's tough to talk about him without tearing up." She pauses, holding back tears, before continuing, "For 17 of the 21 years we were together, every day was filled with kindness and sweetness. He was simply extraordinary."
Marianne, known for her role in Rosemary’s Baby, recalls Kenny's unwavering devotion during their early years. "He always made me feel like I was the center of his universe," she shares. "If anyone needed anything from him, he'd look me straight in the eye and say, 'Whatever she wants to do.' But as he hit his 50s, I noticed a shift. It wasn't that he didn't want me around, but I could sense he was going through something—a mid-life crisis, perhaps. He felt his career might be fading, and it weighed on him heavily."
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Understanding Kenny's Fears
Delving deeper, Marianne reveals Kenny's deep-seated fear about his legacy in country music. "Kenny often confided in me about recurring nightmares where he'd perform to an empty audience. It terrified him," she explains. "He was so passionate about his music, and the thought of losing his audience was something he couldn't bear. It was a fear that stayed with him for years."
A Gentle Soul Despite the Fame
Despite the pressures of fame and the insecurities that came with it, Marianne insists Kenny remained a delightful companion. "He had this wonderful sense of humor and was always in a good mood," she smiles. "Fame never changed him. He stayed true to who he was—a kind, generous, and loving man."
