Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Ever Wondered If Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Became More Than Just Friends?

Did Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Ever Date?
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton have been friends and longtime collaborators for many years – undoubtedly one of the most successful partnerships in country music. And every time they share the stage, you’ll get nothing but pure magic. From duets such as “Real Love,” “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” and “Islands in the Stream,” any country fan will tell that the two talented singers were a match made in heaven!

This makes a lot of us wonder, did they ever – at some point in their careers – tuned out to be more than friends? In fact, both country music icons have always been targeted by the tabloid press regarding the issue.

But both Rogers and Parton insist there was never anything romantic ever happened between them.

According to the country queen, it did not even cross their minds for once. After all, she’s been married to her husband Carl Thomas Dean since 1966. Though the two country legends admit at some point that they were “soul partners,” Parton said that they were almost like brothers and sisters.

“There are different kinds of soul mates, but with Kenny, I just see him, and I smile,” Parton said.

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton‘s friendship started way back in the 1970s when they met in Nashville while they were still both new to the music industry. Their first union was when Rogers appeared on Parton’s syndicated variety show on ABC after the “Jolene” singer was scrambling to book an artist for the program.

Parton said she will never forget how Rogers has always been there for her as a friend.

Since then, the two music icons started teaming up and working together more and more. They’ve appeared on stage together countless times over the decades and released songs that endured the test of time.

Indeed, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton got this one-of-a-kind friendship.

Latest Stories

Luke Combs and Eric Church's Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Luke Combs and Eric Church’s Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Country music superstars Luke Combs and Eric Church united for a powerful cause, headlining the “Concert for Carolina” to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene. The star-studded event, held at Bank ...

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

When you think of Brad Paisley, you probably picture the quick-witted country star with a guitar in hand and a string of chart-toppers behind him. But there’s much more to ...

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with "Suspicious Minds" Cover

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with “Suspicious Minds” Cover

Elvis Presley’s influence on music is undeniable, and his legacy inspires generations. His 1969 hit “Suspicious Minds” remains a signature track, capturing love, conflict, and heartbreak themes. Decades later, country ...

Alan Jackson Stops "Pop a Top" at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

Alan Jackson Stops “Pop a Top” at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

It’s always remarkable when country legends support each other, especially on music’s biggest stages. Alan Jackson’s unforgettable tribute to George Jones at the 1999 CMA Awards was one such moment, ...

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with "Sing Me Back Home"

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with “Sing Me Back Home”

Stepping into the spotlight with a last name like Haggard carries immense weight. Still, Ben Haggard embraces it with remarkable grace and sincerity. As the youngest son of the legendary ...

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss' Soulful Duet of "Tryin' to Get Over You"

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss’ Soulful Duet of “Tryin’ to Get Over You”

Heartbreak has never sounded as hauntingly beautiful as when Vince Gill and Alison Krauss come together to perform “Tryin’ to Get Over You.” In this breathtaking live duet, their voices ...

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

On February 14, 2020, Nashville concertgoers were treated to an unforgettable surprise during Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Tour stop at Bridgestone Arena. It wasn’t just Madea that left the crowd ...

Allie Colleen Honors Keith Whitley with a Heartfelt Cover of "Don't Close Your Eyes"

Allie Colleen Honors Keith Whitley with a Heartfelt Cover of “Don’t Close Your Eyes”

In 2015, Allie Colleen—daughter of country icon Garth Brooks—delivered a touching tribute to Keith Whitley with her rendition of “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Shared on her Facebook page, the performance ...

Scotty McCreery Wows the Opry with His “Hello Darlin’” Performance

Scotty McCreery Wows the Opry with His “Hello Darlin’” Performance

In 2015, country artist Scotty McCreery took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, four years after winning American Idol Season 10. He captivated the audience with a stunning rendition ...

Listen to Alan Jackson's Incredible Duet With Alison Krauss in "The Angels Cried" 

Alan Jackson and Alison Krauss’ “The Angels Cried” Underrated Gem

Alan Jackson is no stranger to creating timeless country hits. Still, one of his most underrated songs is “The Angels Cried,” featuring the angelic vocals of Alison Krauss. Released in ...