Today the world remembers Grammy Award winning country music icon, Kenny Rogers following the announcement of his death on March 21st.

“The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25PM at the age of 81.  Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family,” a statement that was posted onto the singer’s twitter account.

The Texas native was born on August 21, 1938 and got his start in the music industry in the 1950’s with the Houston-based group called “The Scholar.” Rogers went on to join other musical groups such as “The New Christy Minstrels,” and “First Edition,” before embarking on a successful solo career.

Rogers collaborated with big name artists like Dolly Parton, Sheena Easton, and Lionel Richie, to produce top chart hits. His 1978 song, “The Gambler” was a cross-over hit that won him his first Grammy Award in 1980. The song also inspired multiple TV movies where Rogers would play the main character. “The Gambler” was the title of the series of western television films where Rogers starred as Brady Hawkes, a fictional old-west gambler.

During his career, Kenny Rogers had 24 number one hits and more than 50 million albums sold in the U.S. alone. He was a six time Country Music Awards winner and a three time Grammy Award winner. He also received numerous AMA’s, ACM’s and a lifetime achievement award throughout his six decades long career. In 2013, Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for his “distinctive, husky voice.” Some of his most famous hits include “Lucille,” “Lady,” “Through the Years,” and “We’ve Got Tonight.”

Rogers has played to millions of fans around the world, performing chart-topping hits like “Coward of the Country,” “She Believes In Me,” “Love Will Turn You Around,” and “Daytime Friend.” Kenny Rogers remained popular in the entertainment world as he continued touring regularly until his retirement in 2017.

In addition to music, Rogers was also a passionate photographer. He took pictures while traveling around the country and published them in the 1986 collection “Kenny Roger’s America.” He also took part in different business ventures like starting his own record label “Dreamcatcher Entertainment,” and launching his own restaurant franchise called “Kenny Rogers Roasters.”

The country music star has enjoyed great success during his lifetime and will be missed by fans all over the world. He is survived by his wife, Wanda, and four sons.