Kenny Rogers Revisits ‘Islands in the Stream’…But Not With Dolly!
The legendary Kenny Rogers is probably best known for his 1983 duet "Islands In The Stream," which he famously recorded with another country stalwart — namely, the equally iconic Dolly Parton.
However, it wasn't that particular blonde he took the stage with at the 2013 Country Music Association Awards to perform that particular tune.
Rogers was joined by Sugarland frontwoman/newly solo artist Jennifer Nettles, who, while not quite Dolly material, did do Parton proud with her soaring vocals, beaming smile, and tight, low-cut jumpsuit.
Nettles paired up with Rogers as part of the CMA Awards' tribute to Rogers's extraordinary career. He was presented with the Association's Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award for the evening.
In a testament to the 75-year-old Rogers's longevity and flexibility, modern country stalwarts Rascal Flatts gave a stirring rendition of his 1968 hit with the First Edition, "Just Dropped In," an ode to the psychedelic culture of the decade and a sharp diversion from his pop/country catalogue.
Darius Rucker also paid homage to a better-known hit, 1978's Grammy-winning "The Gambler."
For those who missed Parton, the singer is currently recovering from a car accident she sustained a couple weeks ago ("Thankfully, Dolly did have airbags," CMA Awards host Brad Paisley joked). And Rogers, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of fame last Monday, released You Can't Make Old Friends in October. The title track features…none other than Dolly Parton!
The 2013 CMA Awards aired live from Nashville Nov. 6. Check out a gallery of red carpet fashion here.