Kenny Rogers poses with his guitar in the backyard of his Brentwood, California, home in 1978.
Country music legend: Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers poses with his guitar in the backyard of his Brentwood, California, home in 1978.
Wally Fong/AP

Published 1347 GMT (2147 HKT) March 21, 2020

Kenny Rogers, whose legendary music career spanned six decades, has died at the age of 81, his publicist Keith Hagan told CNN.

The artist's family announced his passing on Rogers' verified Twitter account, saying he died Friday night from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by family.

Kenny Rogers, Thelma Camacho, Mike Settle and Terry Williams of the band "Kenny Rogers & The First Edition" pose for a portrait session in 1967.
Kenny Rogers, Thelma Camacho, Mike Settle and Terry Williams of the band "Kenny Rogers & The First Edition" pose for a portrait session in 1967.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Rogers records in a studio in Los Angeles in 1968.
Rogers records in a studio in Los Angeles in 1968.
Jasper Dailey/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Rogers performs with the First Edition in 1970.
Rogers performs with the First Edition in 1970.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Rogers poses for a photo on his wedding day in 1977. From left: John Davidson, Glen Campbell, bride Marianne Gordon, Rogers and John Denver.
Rogers poses for a photo on his wedding day in 1977. From left: John Davidson, Glen Campbell, bride Marianne Gordon, Rogers and John Denver.
AP
Rogers speaks to a group of journalists in London in 1977.
Rogers speaks to a group of journalists in London in 1977.
George Wilkes/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Rogers and Dottie West appear at the CMA Awards in Nashville in 1978.
Rogers and Dottie West appear at the CMA Awards in Nashville in 1978.
AP
Rogers holds his Grammy award for best male country performer in 1980.
Rogers holds his Grammy award for best male country performer in 1980.
McLendon/AP
Rogers performs in 1980.
Rogers performs in 1980.
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Rogers poses for a photo with members of the cast of the film "Six Pack" in 1982.
Rogers poses for a photo with members of the cast of the film "Six Pack" in 1982.
20th Century Fox/Everett Collection
Rogers and son Christopher Cody Rogers attend the American Music Awards in 1983.
Rogers and son Christopher Cody Rogers attend the American Music Awards in 1983.
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Rogers has his hands full as he balances his 13-month-old son Christopher backstage during the American Music Awards in 1983.
Rogers has his hands full as he balances his 13-month-old son Christopher backstage during the American Music Awards in 1983.
Reed Saxon/AP
Dolly Parton and Rogers rehearse a song for their appearance on the TV show "Live... And in Person" in 1983.
Dolly Parton and Rogers rehearse a song for their appearance on the TV show "Live... And in Person" in 1983.
Doug Pizac/AP
Rogers, national co-chairman of Hands Across America, gestures while addressing a sign up rally for the group in 1986.
Rogers, national co-chairman of Hands Across America, gestures while addressing a sign up rally for the group in 1986.
Barry Thumma/AP
From left: Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager and Rogers record music for the film "Tough Guys" in 1986.
From left: Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager and Rogers record music for the film "Tough Guys" in 1986.
Joan Adlen/Getty Images
Rogers opens an exhibit of his photographs in 1986.
Rogers opens an exhibit of his photographs in 1986.
Ron Frehm/AP
Rogers and Dolly Parton perform in 1990.
Rogers and Dolly Parton perform in 1990.
Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Rogers sings behind President Bill Clinton as they perform at the DC Armory Ball during Clinton's inauguration festivities in 1993.
Rogers sings behind President Bill Clinton as they perform at the DC Armory Ball during Clinton's inauguration festivities in 1993.
Diana Walker/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images
Rogers talks with "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno in 1994 as Charles Barkley looks on.
Rogers talks with "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno in 1994 as Charles Barkley looks on.
Margaret Norton/NBC/Getty Images
Rogers performs in London in 2009.
Rogers performs in London in 2009.
Rune Hellestad/Corbis via Getty Images
Rogers gives an autograph to musician Aden Bubeck backstage during the ACM Honors in Nashville in 2009.
Rogers gives an autograph to musician Aden Bubeck backstage during the ACM Honors in Nashville in 2009.
Rick Diamond/Getty Images for ACM
From left: Alison Krauss, Rogers and Billy Dean perform at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Connecticut in 2010.
From left: Alison Krauss, Rogers and Billy Dean perform at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Connecticut in 2010.
Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Rogers and Trey Anastasio of Phish perform at Bonnaroo in 2012.
Rogers and Trey Anastasio of Phish perform at Bonnaroo in 2012.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Joe Bonsall and Rogers pose as Rogers is inducted into the Nashville Music City Walk of Fame on in 2017.
Joe Bonsall and Rogers pose as Rogers is inducted into the Nashville Music City Walk of Fame on in 2017.
Anna Webber/Getty Images
Rogers and Dolly Parton share a few stories at "All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers' Farewell Concert Celebration" in 2017.
Rogers and Dolly Parton share a few stories at "All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers' Farewell Concert Celebration" in 2017.
Laura Roberts/Invision/AP