The late Kenny Rogers once opened up about his special friendship with Dolly Parton, revealing that they shared a “30-year flirtation.”
On Thursday, AXS TV shared an archival interview of Rogers talking candidly about Parton and their unique bond.
“We flirted with each other for 30 years, and it was much more electric,” the legendary singer told Dan Rather in a 2014 interview.
Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton’s Platonic Relationship
Despite their closeness, Rogers maintained that their relationship has always been strictly platonic.
“I think once you consummate a relationship like that, it loses something,” the “Lady” hitmaker explained. “And she and I both believed that theory.”
Rogers continued, “So we did some massive flirting in front of the nation, but there was never anything more than that.”
Rogers, who died at 81 in March 2020, maintained that he had deep respect for Parton and her marriage to Carl Thomas Dean. He added that, at the time, he was married to Marianne Gordon, with whom he shared a son, Christopher Cody Rogers. Rogers and Gordon were married from 1977 to 1993.
In 2013, Parton revealed that she became close with Rogers after they began touring together following the release of their 1983 smash hit “Islands in the Stream.”
When asked about the dating rumors, both Parton and Rogers couldn’t help but laugh.
“We never did go there. There was always other stuff going on between us, so much love and friendship,” Rogers said in an interview with PEOPLE. “We may have been tempted, but we didn’t want to ruin a good friendship. And she’s been married for 40 years.”
“And he’s been married about 40 times — I couldn’t catch him between wives!” Parton chimed in.
Fans Imagine a Heartwarming Reunion Between Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers
In 2023, Parton reflected on her friendship with Rogers during his third death anniversary.
“I miss him so much,” the country singer told PEOPLE at the time. “I’ve lost so many wonderful people in my life in the last few years. But Kenny — he was very, very dear and special and I never get tired of hearing us sing, all the years that we were on stage together.”
On Friday, Rogers’ official Instagram account paid a sweet tribute to Parton by sharing a video of the longtime friends performing their song “You Can’t Make Old Friends.”
“The streets of gold are glistening even more now that Dolly’s home. Reunited at last…” the caption reads.
Fans couldn’t help but get emotional imagining that Parton and Rogers are finally reunited.
One fan wrote, “My heart is so full knowing they are reunited. What a special song.” Someone shared, “I sure will miss Dolly. I bet you Kenny was so excited to see her when she got to heaven.”
Another commented, “This hits straight to the heart!! The BEST country music duo is reunited!!”
Someone chimed in, “Heaven just got a lot brighter, Dolly & Kenny back together!” while another added, “They’re singing together in heaven.”
Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, following a “brief battle with cancer.” Rogers died of natural causes in March 2020.
