How Kenny Rogers Got Dolly Parton To Sing ‘Islands In The Stream’ (Video)

Kenny Rogers recently sat down with People Magazine to discuss the upcoming All In For The Gambler event — the singer’s huge farewell concert celebration in Nashville, Tennessee on October 25. The evening will include performances from huge stars like Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and longtime collaborator Dolly Parton.

During the interview, Rogers revealed the process behind recording one of his most famous songs, “Islands In The Stream.”

“It all started when Barry Gibb wrote ‘Islands in the Stream,’ and he gave it to me to record — he was producing an album.” Kenny claims that he had been listening to the song for four days after it was recorded, but he knew it was definitely missing something special.

“I finally said, ‘Barry, I don’t even like this song anymore’ and he said, ‘You know what we need? We need Dolly Parton.'”

As luck would have it Parton was right there in the studio! “Once she came in and started singing the song was never the same. It took on a personality of its own,” Rogers says nostalgically.

Check out the full interview below and see the full lineup of music stars right here.