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

Did Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Ever Date?
Riley Johnson
by

Riley Johnson covers country music’s legends, tributes, and the stories behind the songs for Country Thang Daily. When a legend is honored, remembered, or back in the spotlight, Riley is usually the one writing it.

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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.

Ever Wondered If Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Became More Than Just Friends?
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  • Behind the Seams: My Life in RhinestonesBook · 2023The stories behind her stage outfits, written with Holly George-WarrenSee it on Amazon
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  • JoleneVinylWith “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”See it on Amazon

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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.

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

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