‘I Will Always Love You’: Dolly Parton’s Farewell Tribute to Kenny Rogers Onstage

At Kenny Rogers’ final concert in 2017, held in Nashville, Tennessee, Dolly Parton performed her iconic song “I Will Always Love You” as a tribute to mark the conclusion of Rogers’ illustrious career in music. Rogers, who passed away on March 20, 2020, at 81 in his Georgia home, had shared a deep bond with Parton since their hit duet “Islands in the Stream” in the 1980s, leading to a lasting friendship and numerous musical collaborations.

Their partnership culminated at Rogers’ 2017 farewell event, as reported by Rolling Stone, where they performed together for one last time. The concert featured a lineup of country music luminaries like Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, and Lionel Richie. Parton joined Rogers on stage several hours into the event, captivating the audience at the sold-out Bridgestone Arena with a poignant rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” dedicated to Rogers, as noted by People.

The evening’s sentimental highlight was further amplified when the duo delivered their final performance together, “Islands in the Stream,” symbolizing the end of Rogers’ 60-year journey in the music industry, a tenure that established him as a country music icon. Following Rogers’ passing, he was honored with numerous tributes, including a heartfelt message from Parton on Instagram, where she expressed her profound loss and eternal love for her dear friend.