Kenny Rogers has been hailed as “an icon of country music” following his death aged 81. The husky-voiced singer, known for hits such as Coward Of The County and The Gambler, died at home from natural causes, under hospice care and surrounded by his family.
Former Little Britain actor Matt Lucas paid tribute, writing on Twitter: “Thank you Kenny Rogers for your beautiful music.” Singer Richard Marx tweeted: “I’m so sad to see Kenny Rogers go.
He did so much for me as a young songwriter and we stayed friends for over 30 years. “I’ll really miss him. May he rest easy.” Comedian John Bishop shared a video of himself singing Rogers’ 1977 hit Lucille to his pet pig Milo.