Life After the Spotlight: Kenny Rogers' Struggles in Retirement
When we think of Kenny Rogers, the legendary country music icon who sang his heart out for decades, it's hard to imagine him ever stepping away from the stage. But in his later years, life took a turn for the singer, and according to his ex-wife Marianne Gordon, the transition wasn't easy. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Marianne revealed that Kenny struggled with retirement, even associating it with the end of his life. "Our son, Chris, said he thought Kenny associated retirement with death," Marianne shared. "He was always so positive and upbeat, but then he fell into a deep depression." It’s clear that the transition from a life of constant activity to one of quiet reflection was a challenge for the music legend.
Marianne went on to explain how noticeable the change in Kenny's demeanor was. "For someone like Kenny, who was always positive and full of energy, even a slight downturn in his mood was unmistakable," she said. "But despite everything, he still had that wonderful sense of humor that made him so beloved." It's this blend of resilience and humor that kept Kenny's spirit alive, even during his darkest days.
A Legacy That Lives On: Remembering Kenny Rogers
The world mourned the loss of Kenny Rogers when his loved ones confirmed his death on social media on March 21, 2020. "The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25 p.m. at the age of 81," the family's heartfelt statement read. "Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family." It’s a reminder of the grace with which Kenny lived his life, even in its final moments.
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Health Challenges and a Final Farewell
Marianne tells Closer that throughout their 16-year marriage, which lasted from 1977 to 1993, Kenny didn't prioritize his health. "He never exercised," she adds, reflecting on their time together. "When I first met him, he only played golf, but we started playing tennis. He was great at tennis, but then he stopped exercising altogether, and the doctors kept telling him he needed to take better care of himself." It’s a reminder of how even the most talented among us can sometimes neglect the basics of self-care.
Marianne also shared that Kenny's health took a significant turn after he underwent heart valve surgery in the last few years of his life. "He got an infection after the surgery," she revealed. "About two years ago, he had the procedure, and that’s when he really started to decline. I don’t know if his body was strong enough to handle it." Despite the challenges, Kenny's strength and determination remained evident, even in the face of adversity.
Marianne learned of Kenny's passing when her son, Chris, called her with the heartbreaking news. "I knew he wasn't in great health," she admitted. "Kenny’s wife, Wanda Miller, called Chris and said things weren’t looking good, and the end was near. They thought he had a couple more weeks, but unfortunately, it happened sooner." Although Marianne and Chris weren't there to say goodbye, she believes Wanda and Kenny's twin boys were by his side. "I think they probably needed nurses with him, and they decided it was better for him to stay at home," she explained.
