Kenny Rogers Tribute to Raise COVID-19 Relief Funds on CMT

CMT will honor the memory of the late Kenny Rogers in a fundraising tribute special next week, announcing plans for CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares.

Featuring special virtual performances and interviews, the story of Rogers’ legendary life and career will be explored by a cavalcade of stars. Tributes will be given by artists like Dolly Parton, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires, Jennifer Nettles, Lady Antebellum, Lionel Richie, Michael McDonald, Randy Houser, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill and more, also featuring rare archival footage with clips and commentary from Rogers himself. All interviews and performances are being filmed from the stars’ homes while they take part in social distancing, and CMT is using the show as a platform to raise COVID-19 relief donations.

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Join us for an uplifting special to honor the extraordinary life and legendary music of the late Kenny Rogers, with special performances and appearances from Rogers’ superstar friends including @dollyparton, @gavindegraw, @ladyantebellum and more. During the special, fans will have the opportunity to honor Rogers’ life and donate directly to @musicares COVID-19 Relief Fund, established to provide critical funds directly to the thousands of music creators and industry professionals who have the greatest need due to the Coronavirus pandemic. #CMTGiants

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“Kenny Rogers transcended genres and generations with his musical versatility, legendary collaborations and timeless appeal, and we’re honored to pay tribute to his legacy,” says executive producer Margaret Comeaux. “Particularly in these turbulent times, we’ll stop and take a moment to allow the memory of our dear friend Kenny to bring us together and inspire us to lend support to those in the music community who are most in need.” 

During the special, viewers can donate directly to MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief Fund, “established to provide critical funds directly to the thousands of music creators and industry professionals who have the greatest need due to the coronavirus pandemic.” The fund essentially gathers money for those in the music industry who’s income has been destroyed by complete shutdown of public gatherings across the nation, and half of all funds raised will go directly to Nashville’s country-music community. Viewers can text KENNYCARES to 41444 during the broadcast to contribute, or visit musicares.org/kennycares at any time.

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Several people have asked where donations can be made in Kenny’s name. We suggest the @recordingacademy & @musicares COVID-19 Relief Fund to help music creators/professionals without work during the coronavirus pandemic. Kenny always wholeheartedly supported musicians, crew members & music personnel. You can make a donation in honor of Kenny here: http://grammy.com/musicares

A post shared by Kenny Rogers (@_kennyrogers) on Mar 22, 2020 at 6:29pm PDT

CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares will premiere April 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, with encore presentations on MTV Live at 8 p.m. April 10, and again on CMT at 12 p.m. April 11. Rogers passed away March 20 from natural causes. He was 81.