Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers pose together in formal holiday attire in February 6, 1980. Dolly smiles warmly with her signature curls, wearing a dark jacket accented with subtle sparkle over a shimmering sequined top, while Kenny embraces her from behind in a classic black tuxedo, bow tie, and pocket square in front of a decorated Christmas tree. | Source: Getty Images
Their 1983 duet, "Islands in the Stream," gave listeners a pairing so irresistible that the questions about romance were practically inevitable. Their closeness developed while they worked and toured together, sharing meals and spending time with bands that began to feel like family.
But in a 2013 conversation with People, revisited in its 2020 article, Dolly explained, "Kenny was always like a relative to me."
Longtime musical collaborators and close friends Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton pose for a portrait in 1987. Kenny wraps his arms affectionately around Dolly from behind while wearing a grey textured blazer, as Dolly smiles brightly in an elegant black long-sleeve dress accented with elaborate silver rhinestone embellishments along the neckline, bodice, and cuffs. | Source: Getty Images
