A three-time Grammy winner who sold tens of millions of records, Kenny Rogers was known for a string of hits including “The Gambler,” “Lucille” and “Islands in the Stream.”

Country music legend Kenny Rogers, whose career spanned six decades, has died at the age of 81, his family said late Friday.

Kenny Rogers: Beloved by millions
“Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family,” they said in a statement.

The family said they were planning a small private service “out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency.”

Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on the history of American music.

“His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world,” said the statement posted by his representative Keith Hagan.

A three-time Grammy winner who sold tens of millions of records, Rogers was known for a string of hits including “The Gambler,” “Lucille” and “Islands in the Stream.”Born in Houston, Texas, Rogers started his career in the late 1950s and quickly became active in rockabilly, jazz and other genres that he brought into his country style.

He went on to have 24 number one hits, was a six-time Country Music Association Awards winner and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

His easygoing ballads and constant touring won him mainstream pop appeal, as have his popular takes on Christmas standards.

Rogers also came to prominence through his collaboration with Parton and appearances on films and television programs including “The Muppet Show.”

Married five times, he is survived by his wife Wanda and five children, including twin boys.