Considered one of the best crossover artists and best-selling musicians of all time, Kenny Rogers was a relentless romantic. Despite five marriages, four divorces, including a $60 million settlement, and fathering five children, he never grew tired of love.
Kenny Rogers openly admitted his obsession with women, which began in high school when he became a musician to attract girls. However, his obsession wasn’t about being a ladies’ man; he simply loved being in love.
In a 2006 interview with the Irish Independent, Rogers explained that he loved the feeling of being in love, caring for someone, and being cared for in return. This might explain why he was married five times.
After high school, Rogers married his first love, but the marriage lasted only two years due to his mother-in-law’s interference. He soon realized that he also loved being married.

Following his first divorce, he quickly remarried, but his second marriage also ended after three years when both parties realized it wasn’t the right fit.
Rogers‘ third marriage lasted 12 years and produced a son. He blamed his touring schedule for the dissolution of this marriage.
Then came Marianne Gordon. Despite their $60 million divorce, Rogers felt she deserved every penny: “Marianne really did deserve the $60 million because she is a great girl and we had a perfect marriage for 15 years.”
The couple enjoyed nearly 16 happy years together. After Rogers passed away in 2020, Marianne told Closer Weekly that he was a very attentive and loving man.
WHEN CHILDREN CHANGE EVERYTHING
During their marriage, Marianne explained that Rogers experienced mid-life crises but was always in a good mood, making it a pleasure to live with him.

Marianne supported Rogers‘ career, often touring with him until their son Christopher was born. She then stayed home to care for their child, which Rogers admitted added strain to their marriage: “Everything was fine until our son Christopher was born – but I wouldn’t want him to take any responsibility for this – because that’s when Marianne stopped touring with me and stayed home to take care of him.”
Their marriage ended in 1993 when Christopher was 12. Rogers reassured his son that he would always be his father.
Four years later, Rogers married for the fifth time. He and Wanda Miller married in 1997, had twin sons, and remained together until his death.
When Christopher was born, Rogers vowed to be more present in his son’s life than he had been with his two older children from previous marriages, Carole Lynne and Kenny Jr. However, his career continued to keep him away from his family.
THE CAREER OF ONE OF THE BEST-SELLING MUSICIANS OF ALL TIME
Kenny Rogers‘ career as a musician began right after high school. He founded the rockabilly band “The Scholars” and eventually transitioned through various styles and bands.
In 1974, he left “Kenny Rogers and the First Edition” to go solo, releasing his first hit, “Love Lifted Me,” a year later.
His solo career took off with the hit “Lucille,” earning him his first Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance.

Subsequent hits like “The Gambler,” which won him another Grammy, “She Believes in Me,” “Coward of the County,” and “You Decorated My Life,” cemented his success.
Rogers was a versatile artist, excelling in multiple genres including pop, country pop, soft rock, and country rock. His collaborations spanned from Dolly Parton to Lionel Richie.
In 2013, Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, having sold over 100 million records worldwide and charted more than 420 hit singles.
KENNY ROGERS’ FAMILY AND LEGACY
Despite his regrets about not spending enough time with his children, Rogers maintained strong relationships with his ex-wives and children. Marianne and Wanda got along well, fostering a sense of respect.

Rogers always kept a good relationship with Marianne, even after marrying Wanda.
Christopher Cody, Rogers’ son with Marianne, pursued a career in the entertainment industry, working behind the scenes as a director and actor.
Kenny Rogers passed away on March 20, 2020, at the age of 81 from natural causes in Sandy Springs, Georgia. His legacy as a music legend and a man who loved deeply continues to endure.
What a legend, Rest in peace Kenny!