Kenny Rogers Sets the Record Straight on Recent Health Rumors
Despite recent tabloid reports that Kenny Rogers is on his deathbed, the country icon says he's doing just fine. A representative for the singer has released a statement explaining his recent, though not fatal, health issues.
"Kenny was recently admitted to a local Georgia hospital and treated for dehydration," the statement explains. "Rogers will remain there to complete some physical therapy to get his strength back prior to discharge."
Rogers and his reps weren't afraid to be a little snarky in their statement, either: "He appreciates the concern and well wishes he has received from his fans," the statement concludes, "and can assure everyone he plans on sticking around through the years to come."
On Wednesday (May 29), both the National Enquirer and RadarOnline reported that Rogers was moving to a remote area of Georgia, selling his assets, saying his final goodbyes and planning his funeral. The stories even quote an "insider" who claims that Rogers' longtime friend and duet partner Dolly Parton was one of his final phone calls. Rogers' representatives call these tabloids' reports "wild misinformation and speculation."
Following a lengthy and lauded career, Rogers officially retired from the road in 2017, following a farewell tour. That October, Rogers was the guest of honor at a farewell tribute concert in Nashville, Kenny Rogers: All in for the Gambler, featuring performances from Lady Antebellum, Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, Idina Menzel, Little Big Town and the impetus for the whole thing, Parton.
Although he'd planned a few additional shows in 2018, "a series of health challenges" led doctors to order him to cancel those performances. Rogers will turn 81 in August.
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