Kenny Rogers Says He and Dolly Parton Only Flirted

For over 30 years, the chemistry between Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton has been so strong that people have often wondered if the two were more than just friends. On September 23, Rogers opened up about the speculation when he was talking with Dan Rather on AXS TV's "The Big Interview."

During the hour-long interview, which was filmed at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to commemorate the opening of the career-spanning exhibit, Kenny Rogers: Through The Years, the two legends talked about every facet of Kenny's life and career - and that included his history with Dolly.

"What we did is we flirted with each other for 30 years, and it was much more electric. I think once you consummate a relationship like that, it loses something. And she and I both believe that theory, so we did some massive flirting in front of the nation, but there was never anything more than that," Rogers explained.

As Kenny talked about their new duet, "You Can't Make Old Friends," he reminisced about the day they recorded the song. Written specifically for the two of them and their long-term friendship, the song has lines about Saint Peter opening the gates for one of them. He said that Dolly, who he knows has no filter, came over and put her arms around him and said, "Kenny, I just want you to know something ... I could never sing at your funeral." He was a little taken aback but managed to respond with, "So we're assuming I'm going first? Is that what you're saying?"

That lack of a filter is one of the things that he loves the most about her because you always know where you stand with her.

If you missed the original airing, the interview with Kenny will be re-airing on AXS TV on Friday, October 3 at 9:30 a.m. ET. It is also available on iTunes.

Tags

Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers