Dolly Parton Dedicates ‘I Will Always Love You’ to Kenny Rogers During His Last Show

During Kenny Rogers’ final performance in 2017, Dolly Parton delivered a poignant rendition of her classic, I Will Always Love You, as a tribute at his farewell concert in Nashville, Tennessee. Rogers, who left us on March 20, 2020, at 81, had formed a cherished friendship and musical partnership with Parton since their hit duet, Islands in the Stream, in the 1980s.

This partnership blossomed over the years, culminating in their last performance together at Rogers’ goodbye concert, as reported by Rolling Stone. The event, which featured other country music luminaries like Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, and Lionel Richie, saw Parton joining Rogers on stage, as noted by People magazine. In a deeply emotional moment before a packed Bridgestone Arena, Parton serenaded Rogers, expressing a sentiment of eternal friendship.

With Rogers watching, Parton sang I Will Always Love You, moving the audience with her heartfelt delivery. Yet, the evening couldn’t conclude without one more rendition of Islands in the Stream, their iconic duet that had initially brought them together. This final performance marked the end of Rogers’ illustrious six-decade career, leaving a lasting legacy in the country music scene.

Following Rogers’ passing, tributes poured in, with Parton herself sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram, honoring their enduring bond and shared memories with the refrain of her iconic song.