Kenny Rogers was a famous country music star known for his great voice and many hit songs. He had a life full of fame, money, and several relationships.
While he was well-known for his music, his personal life was just as interesting. Although he married several times and had five children, it took him a long time to find his true love, a relationship that lasted until he passed away at 81 years old.
In his life, Rogers was married five times. Even though his earlier marriages did not work out, he always said that he loved each of his wives during their time together. However, he admitted that his music often came first. He once shared that music was like a “mistress,” a passion that made it hard for him to fully focus on his family.
Kenny Rogers always put his music first, even though he deeply cared for his wives and children. He openly admitted that his passion for his career was often the reason his marriages ended. Rogers took full responsibility, never blaming his former wives for the breakups.
His first marriage happened when he was just 19 years old, to Janice Gordon. They got married after their daughter was born, hoping to show Gordon’s parents they were serious. However, the marriage only lasted two years. After their split, Rogers stepped away from his daughter’s life, allowing Gordon’s second husband to raise her.
Not long after his first marriage ended, Rogers married his second wife, Jean Rogers, the same year. But this relationship also didn’t last long—they divorced after only three years.
Rogers’ third marriage to Margo Anderson was his longest so far, lasting over a decade. During this time, they had a son, Kenny Jr. But the pressures of Rogers’ career, which required him to travel constantly, caused strain in their relationship, leading to their eventual divorce.
In 1977, Rogers married actress Marianne Gordon. Together, they had a son named Chris. Their marriage lasted nearly two decades, but as Rogers approached 50, his commitment to his music career once again created distance between them. This led to their separation in 1993. This pattern in his life shows how the demands of a high-profile career, similar to public figures in any culture, can sometimes take a toll on personal relationships.
Kenny Rogers’ divorce from Marianne Gordon was one of the most expensive in the entertainment industry. Gordon received a hefty $60 million settlement. However, Rogers held no resentment about the outcome. He told the Irish Independent, “She deserves every penny.” He appreciated her steadfast support, especially during a tough time when his career was not doing well. He expressed that “Marianne really did deserve the $60 million because she is a great girl, and we had a perfect marriage for 15 years.”
Four years after his divorce from Gordon, Rogers met Wanda Miller, who became his fifth and final wife. Despite their significant age difference of 28 years, their marriage thrived. Together, they had twin sons named Justin and Jordan, which brought Rogers great happiness in his later years. Although he was initially unsure about having more children at that stage in his life, he eventually embraced the idea. When he learned he was having twins, he exclaimed, “When I was told it was twins, man, I was thrilled.” This new chapter filled his life with joy and renewed purpose.
Rogers’ relationship with Wanda Miller stayed strong until his death in 2020. Even though raising a family at his age came with its challenges, he truly cherished being a father and a husband. After his passing, Miller honored his memory and promised to celebrate the love they shared.
In the end, Kenny Rogers’ journey through love and marriage had its ups and downs, but he ultimately found the deep and lasting connection he had always been looking for. His legacy, as both a musician and a devoted family man, continues to resonate with all who knew and loved him.
10 Celebrity Dads Who Are Shattering Stereotypes Like a Pro
Modern dads, including those in the spotlight, are shaking up traditional parenting roles. They’re becoming more involved at home and questioning old-fashioned views on what it means to be ‘manly.’ By openly talking about their parenting journeys, these well-known dads are setting an example.
1. Dwayne «The Rock» Johnson
On his social media, Dwayne Johnson posted a picture and expressed his dedication to fatherhood with a caption that read, «Regardless of where we’re at… when #2 happens with my baby girl… I’m the #1 man for the job. #TheWorkinMan #DaddysGotU.» He’s showing that no matter the situation, he’s always ready to step up for his daughter. He often shares photos of himself getting a makeover by his daughters or spending quality time with them.
2. David Beckham
Beckham spoke about his journey as a father. He said from the moment kids are born it’s a constant worry, but he wouldn’t change anything. He shared how time has gone by so quickly for him as a father, from the moment he was holding them in the hospital, to the next minute when they’re driving their car. But it’s the most special thing.
3. Johnny Knoxville
ohnny Knoxville reveals that after his daughter and her friend give him a makeover, he often goes out with them. The 53-year-old star posted a picture where he’s wearing a shiny blonde wig styled into a bob with bangs and topped with a tiara. But the makeover didn’t stop there. His 12-year-old daughter Arlo, and her friend, were the artists behind this playful look. Knoxville enjoys these moments and is happy to share them, even if it’s just indoors.
4. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry spoke about how his kids aren’t impressed by his NBA career. He spoke about how when he’s home, he’s just Dad, and how he loves to watch them grow and blossom and support them. He said, «They like my goofiness and the way you just show up at home more than anything.»
5. Chris Hemsworth
In an interview, Chris spoke about his work-life balance. He talked about how having kids was more important to him, even though he felt some of his roles had suffered. When he reflected on his work, he felt as if he could’ve put more energy into a couple of films, but then said, «No, I’d rather be with my kids.»
6. Kevin Jonas
Kevin shared a post of his girls on social media. He wrote, «Being a father to these 2 amazing girls is the greatest job and honor of my life. Thank you for teaching me so much every day. To all the Dads out there be kind, love unconditionally, and don’t forget to be strong!»
7. Jeff Goldblum
Goldblum became a father later in life and when asked about being a dad, he spoke about how it was revitalizing and how it brought him closer to his wife. He also shared that it can be challenging at times and maddening but also sweet and amazing.
8. James Van Der Beek
James, a dad of six kids truly treasures spending time with them all — «For me, playing with the kids is so important. It’s good for them physically, it’s good for them mentally, and emotionally. It’s good for our relationship. But as any busy parent knows, if you don’t schedule that play, the odds of it happening dwindle.»
9. Jason Momoa
Jason Momoa shared his feelings about fatherhood in an interview. He said, «I always thought being a dad was cool! I always wanted to be a dad.» When speaking about his son, he spoke about how he wanted to connect with him and be open and vulnerable. And to embrace both the male and feminine sides of us that we all have.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo shared the photo with the caption, «Funny moment with my babies.» In an interview, he was asked about his son also playing soccer. He said that he wasn’t going to push for him to be a soccer player. He wants him to be whatever he wants.
Some Hollywood dads are raising their kids as a single parent and doing a great job at it. Check them out here.
Preview photo credit therock / Instagram, therock / Instagram
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