Sad news for Kenny Rogers fans. After a career that has spanned 57 years, today the country singer announced his retirement on NBC’s The Today Show. Coincidentally, today marks the release of his last album, his sixth Christmas CD, “Once Again it’s Christmas’. It has been 17 years since he released a holiday-themed album.

Throughout his career , he has earned too  many number one hits to count, and just as many awards. From ground-breaking duets with Dolly, Dottie West and Wynonna, to soulful love songs such as ‘Lady’, ‘You Decorated My Life’ and ‘Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer’, Kenny Rogers voice has been with country music fans all ‘Through the Years’.

No stranger to the small screen, Rogers also fared well in movies such as ‘The Gambler’ series, ‘Six Pack’ and ‘Wild Horses’.

While he has had an excellent career, saying goodbye is always difficult. To view a personal message filmed for his fans, explaining his decision to retire, click here.

The lyrics to probably his most popular song have never been more appropriate than today: ” You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em. Know when to walk away, know when to run…”

Thank you, Kenny Rogers, for all the sung lyrics that applied to my life, all your fans’ lives, at one time or another. For all the Gambler movies this country gal could handle, and for giving your all in each and every performance for all your fans.

You have been a bright, shining star,  all ‘Through the Years’, and will be missed by the country music world.

Have a good ‘Kenny Rogers’ story? Want to share a memory or favorite song? Drop me a line in the comment section!