Kenny Rogers to mark 50 years in music on TV

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Country music veteran Kenny Rogers is marking 50 years in the music business with a star-studded TV special.

The 71-year-old says the “whole idea is to get together with some friends” to celebrate. He doesn’t want it to be a tribute.

Friends including Dolly Parton, Allison Krauss, Lionel Richie, and Wynonna Judd are already signed on for “Kenny Rogers- The First 50 Years.“ It will tape on April 10 at the MGM Grand At Foxwoods in Connecticut. The network airing the special will be announced later.

The special will take viewers through the six decades of Rogers’ hits, including “The Gambler,“ ‘'Lucille,“ and the Dolly Parton duet “Islands In The Stream.“ Entertainers who have known Rogers throughout the years will host segments of the show.