Kenny Rogers has passed away at the age of 81

Country music legend Kenny Rogers has died.

"The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25pm at the age of 81," his family said in a statement on Saturday.

"Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family."

The family said it was planning a small private service "out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency".

They added that they looked forward to celebrating Rogers' life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date.

Among Rogers' famous songs are The Gambler, Lady, Islands In The Stream, Lucille, She Believes In Me, and Through the Years.