Celebrities react to the passing of Kenny Rogers

It was time to fold 'em. On March 19, Kenny Rogers, a three-time Grammy winner with a career spanning six decades, passed away at the age of 81. The legendary singer was in hospice care in Georgia at the time of his death. "Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on the history of American music. His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world," his family said in a statement. Kenny's death sparked mourning throughout the entertainment industry, particularly in the country music world, and many took to social media to honor him. Click through to see who publicly paid tribute to the late "The Gambler" singer…

"I know that we all know that Kenny is in a better place than we are today and I'm pretty sure that he's going to be talking to God sometime today… and he's going to be asking him to spread some light on a bunch of this darkness. I loved Kenny with all my heart. My heart's broken. A big ol' chunk of it has gone with him today… You never know how much you love somebody until they're gone. I've had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend Kenny, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend… God bless you Kenny, fly high straight into the arms of God. To the rest of you, keep the faith.." –Dolly Parton

"Today I lost one of my closest friends. So much laughter so many adventures to remember, my heart is broken… My prayers go out to Kenny's Family." –Lionel Richie

"I can't express on Twitter the impact Kenny Rogers the artist and the man had on me. He was always very kind and fun to be around. Rest In Peace Gambler…" —Blake Shelton

"Kenny, Go rest high on that mountain. Please tell mama and daddy hi for me. Thank you for your friendship and your love. We are going to miss you but we are so happy you're singing with the Angels in heaven. Can't wait to see you again one of these days. Rest in peace my friend." –Reba McEntire

"Country music has lost one of its pillars…sing with the angels and talk to God, Kenny. Bless you for being a part of so many lives…" —Carrie Underwood

"THANK YOU KENNY ROGERS – for decades of genre bending music and collaborations — for making music that travelled the globe.. and songs that became common threads for people from all walks of life!! GO REST HIGH BROTHER. With love and deep appreciation." —Keith Urban

"Oh how my heart is heavy hearing this news!! @_kennyrogers the light you brought into the world through your voice will live on forever. Thank you for sharing your spirit, your stories and your songs with us, we will cherish them forever!! You will be missed my dear friend" –Marie Osmond

"We're going to miss you dearly, @_KennyRogers. Thank you for the unforgettable music and light you shared with this world. Rest In peace, dear friend. Our prayers are with the Rogers family. #KennyRogers" –Donny Osmond

"I woke up this morning to the news that Kenny Rogers passed away. The first concert I ever attended was his back in the early 80's and it forever changed my life. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to him a few times over the years and I am so grateful to have spent a few moments with him. He was an icon that helped bring in a whole new audience to country music and he forever changed the game for all of us. He will always be missed and remembered….. R.I.P. Gambler" —Jason Aldean

"'I love you. Stay in touch. Take care of yourself. And, if you ever start recording again, I want to be there'—kind words from my longtime friend, Kenny Rogers. He was always near when you needed him, with that infectious smile that lit a room. I had the honor of working with Kenny, numerous times, over the last 35 years—each time I was left a better person. The songs he gave us and the friendships he collected, will keep his all in touch with our brother, our hero, our friend. Rest easy, Kenny…we will record again, and you will be there. I love you, too!" –Randy Travis

"I woke up the news of @_KennyRogers passing. It's not about #1s. It's about the legacy you leave behind and he was a great man. He changed Country Music and had a voice like no other. Thank you Kenny. Thank you." –Jake Owen

"One of the greatest examples of integrity I have ever known. @_KennyRogers was always so very kind to me. Wow. Life is so bittersweet…" –Wynonna Judd

"Rest In Peace Kenny Rogers. We loved you. #kennyrogers #sweetmusicman" –Brad Paisley

"No one bridged the gap between country and pop more often and better than Kenny Rogers. He will be missed, but his music and diverse style of story telling will live on forever." –Billy Ray Cyrus

"One of the greatest songwriters and voices of our genre. sad day in music." –Kelsea Ballerini

"We will miss you @_KennyRogers You are and forever will be quite the legend. #thegambler #ripkennyrogers" —LeAnn Rimes

"I am filled with profound sadness with the loss of my friend and fellow artist, Kenny Rogers. God Bless him and his family. He will be greatly missed by all, but his outstanding legacy will live on. Love you, my friend." –Jerry Lee Lewis

"Thank you Kenny Rogers for being a part of our lives for so long. Your songs are woven into the fabric of our memories, classics, that will live on in the musical heart of a world that will miss you so much. Rest in peace Gambler" –Charlie Daniels

"Today country music lost a legend. I had the honor of singing with @_KennyRogers at the 2013 CMA's. Just watch everybody singing along in the audience. What joy he brought to the world." —Jennifer Nettles

"In addition to his tremendous talent, Kenny was a generous and caring man, a wise mentor to so many of us. He loved his friends, his family, his fellow musicians and his fans, and they loved him, right back. Fifty years ago, The Gambler took a gamble on me and my first band from small-town Texas, and his big-hearted support launched many careers, including mine. He also gave me some of the best career advice I ever got: 'You'd better be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because you're going to meet those same people on the way back down.' Kenny had been struggling with a number of health issues for some time. He fought the good fight for as long as he could, but he was tired, and he was ready to make his exit. I'm just grateful that I got visit with him in the hospital, about six weeks ago, and convey my gratitude to him for all he did for me. RIP, my friend. Thanks for all the gladness you gave us." –Don Henley (via Billboard)

"Kenny Rogers thank you for sharing your musings, your music, your fabulous hair… blessings to your family. It's gonna be a Kenny Rogers retrospective playlist kinda day… #RIPKennyRogers" —Rosario Dawson

"High quality man. Your music will live on forever @_kennyrogers!" –Zac Brown Band

"I'm really sad to hear about Kenny Rogers passing. Kenny had a wonderful voice and so many great songs. He will be missed, but we'll always have his music. Love & Mercy to Kenny's family." –Brian Wilson

"Love this man. His voice has encouraged and inspired so many of us. His enormous heart and spirit live on and on #throughtheyears #kennyrogers" –Michael Bolton

"I'm very sad to learn that @_KennyRogers has passed away. Kenny was a friend who helped me in so many ways early on. He was always funny, kind and full of advice. Kenny's legacy of great music will live on forever. My deepest condolences to Wanda & family. #RIPKennyRogers" –Travis Tritt

"I hate 2020. I swear, I do. #RIPKennyRogers" –Yvette Nicole Brown

"What a career, what a talent, what a legacy. Now this world is left with a big shadow center stage where Kenny Rogers stood. No one else can take his place. Now he's taken his place amongst the Heavenly stars. It's a very sad day for all of us. But God is smiling. #restinpeace" –Tanya Tucker

"Thank you #KennyRogers Thank you for sitting down next to a 19 year-old me at the piano and listening to the song I'd written for you. Thank you for recording it and others we wrote together. Thank you for the years of advice and encouragement and laughs. I will miss you, pal." –Richard Marx

"I was on an episode of Reno 911! where I played a crazed stalker who shoots Kenny Rogers. The cast loved him, he told great stories, and was a joy to be around. And 'The Gambler' is a truly great song." –Patton Oswalt

"Deepest condolences to all those who knew & loved #KennyRogers and especially our friend Tower as he goes through a tough time today" —Bret Michaels

"Oh man Kenny Rogers just died. RIP Gambler. Thanks for all the great music." –Larry the Cable Guy

"Just woke up to this news… #RIPKennyRogers" –Chris Young

"RIPGambler" –Cole Swindell

"Kenny Rogers had a voice and spirit that brought a sense of harmony to the world. He was that island in the stream. At a time when the waters churn, he will be especially missed. RIP." –Dan Rather

"So saddened by the news on #KennyRogers this #SaturdayMorning. He was an incredible singer I was just playing his songs 2days ago. A family favourite we played his music constantly. #SheBelievesInMe Through the years #CowardoftheCountry #Lady #SweetMusicMan #RIP" –La Toya Jackson

"Kenny Rogers & the Rogers family, of which there are many, took me on a camping trip, all of us on horseback when I was 13. We told stories, shot guns. That man was country to the bone. He will be missed. #RIPKennyRogers" –Danny Bonaduce

"Goodbye @_KennyRogers! Your charming voice and music will be forever heard. My condolences to the family, friends and the loving fans." –Jean Claude Van Damme

"'Coward Of The County' is one of my all time favorite songs & 'Six Pack' was one of my favorite movies growing up. You will be missed…" —Mario Lopez

"RIP @_KennyRogers Thanks for all the music and doing the best version of 'when you love someone,' (and of course 'the gambler' which is one of the best songs ever). Peace #KennyRogers" –Bryan Adams

"Aw, damn. RIP Kenny Rogers." –Jeri Ryan

"RIP Kenny Rogers. Worked with him a couple of times and liked him a lot. As jovial and friendly as you'd imagine." –Michael McKean

"There was a lot more to Kenny Rogers than met the eye. I mean that in a good way. He did have one outstanding problem, we laughed about it often. I used to tell him he was the only man I knew who could make 38 million a year and manage to spend 40 million a year. He did ya know." –Chuck Woolery

"RIP Kenny Rogers, 81. What incredibly sad news. One of the all-time great country music stars & an utterly charming man." –Piers Morgan