Reba McEntire took the stage at the Bridgestone Arena on October 14, 2025, delivering a heartfelt rendition of Kenny Rogers’ classic “Reuben James” during the all-star tribute “All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers Farewell Celebration.” The 70-year-old country queen, visibly moved, paid homage to her longtime friend and collaborator, declaring, “I just loved Kenny,” in a moment that captured the essence of Rogers’ enduring legacy. The event, a glittering assembly of music royalty including Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, and Lionel Richie, celebrated the life of the Grammy-winning icon who passed away in 2020, blending tear-jerking stories with powerhouse performances that reaffirmed why Rogers’ songs continue to resonate across generations.

The tribute, filmed for a CBS special airing November 25, 2025, drew over 18,000 fans to the Nashville venue, grossing an estimated $2.5 million with proceeds benefiting the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center and music education programs. McEntire’s slot came midway through the three-hour spectacle, following Parton’s duet with Rogers via hologram on “Islands in the Stream”—a tech marvel that had the crowd roaring. Stepping into the spotlight in a sparkling red gown, McEntire gripped the mic stand like an old friend, her voice soaring through the poignant lyrics of “Reuben James,” a 1969 hit from Rogers’ First Edition days about a Black man raising a white child in the segregated South. “Reuben James, in my song you live again / And the phrases that I rhyme are just the footsteps out of time,” she sang, her Oklahoma twang adding raw emotion to the folk-country gem that peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Before launching into the song, McEntire shared personal anecdotes that silenced the arena. “Kenny was more than a duet partner—he was family,” she said, eyes glistening under the spotlights. “I just loved Kenny… his laugh, his stories, that gambler grin.” The two first crossed paths in the early ’80s on the country circuit, bonding over shared Oklahoma roots (Rogers was born in Texas but claimed kin through music). Their friendship deepened with collaborations like the 1992 hit “If You Came Back from Heaven” and appearances on each other’s TV specials. McEntire recalled late-night phone calls where Rogers dispensed advice: “He’d say, ‘Reba, life’s a game—play your cards right, but always fold with grace.’” Fans in the front row wiped tears as archival footage played behind her—clips of Rogers and McEntire giggling on the set of his 1985 TV movie “The Gambler.”

“Reuben James” wasn’t a random pick; it symbolized Rogers’ genre-bending career, from folk-rock with The First Edition to country crossover stardom. Written by Barry Etris and Alex Harvey, the song tackled racial themes boldly for its era, earning Rogers early acclaim before mega-hits like “Lucille” and “The Gambler.” McEntire’s performance—backed by a string section and Rogers’ original bandmate Terry Williams on harmonica—clocked in at four minutes but felt eternal, ending with a standing ovation that lasted nearly two. “That was for you, Kenny,” she whispered, blowing a kiss skyward.

The night was a who’s-who of country and pop: Stapleton growled through “Lucille,” Richie reprised “Lady” (which he wrote for Rogers), and Parton closed with “Sweet Music Man.” Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani tackled “We’ve Got Tonight,” while Idina Menzel added Broadway flair to “Through the Years.” Hologram Rogers “joined” for encores, a $500,000 tech investment by producers that wowed but divided opinions—some called it “eerie genius,” others “overkill.” Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman teared up introducing McEntire: “Reba and Kenny’s bond was pure magic.”

Rogers’ widow, Wanda, and their twins Jordan and Justin (21) watched from the VIP box, Wanda telling Fox News backstage: “Kenny would’ve loved this—Reba nailed his spirit.” The event honored Rogers’ philanthropy too; he founded the Children’s Center in 1982, aiding abused kids, and raised millions via his Gambler tours.

McEntire’s tribute fits her own legacy arc. Fresh off “The Voice” Season 28 and her Vegas residency, she’s prepping a Kenny-inspired album track. “Singing for him healed something,” she told People post-show. Fans agree: Social clips of her performance hit 5 million views, sparking #ThankYouKenny trends. In a genre facing pop dilution, nights like this remind: Rogers’ voice—gambler, lover, storyteller—lives on through friends like Reba.

As the arena lights dimmed, McEntire’s final note lingered: A beautiful bow to a dear friend whose music, like a winning hand, never folds.