The Truth About Kenny Rogers' Pet Goat

Apparently, Kenny Rogers had a goat. The American singer-songwriter — who died on March 20, 2020 — was more of a country man than fans ever knew, since instead of craving the company of a dog or cat, he kept a friendly farm animal as his pet!

In 2017, Mustang 107.1 published an article about the life of the Houston-born musician. The story stated that in addition to being the father of five children — from his five marriages — Rogers was also dad to a friendly goat named Smitty.

The pet lived at his home in Georgia, and while the goat probably had some lonely nights thanks to Rogers' busy schedule, Smitty served as a great companion when he got home from tour — and likely during his final years as a retired singer. According to the outlet, Rogers once said the goat helped him stay relaxed. 

According to Southern Living, Rogers had other animals, too. He told the outlet, "We bought a llama and a goat... I had a farm in Athens, Georgia." He also got alpacas, explaining, "It was really fun. I mean, I enjoyed it, but then they spit on me. I said ok, out. We had to build the shed farm and then air conditioning and put water. It was a lot of trouble."

Details about Rogers' farm life may surprise fans, but there's one thing everyone already knows: He left a huge impact on the world of music.

Kenny Rogers — perhaps best known for his 1983 hit "We've Got Tonight" — died of natural causes while in hospice care at his home in Georgia, his family said (via BuzzFeed News). He was 81 at the time, and his loved ones said their goodbyes in a private memorial service due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Throughout his long music career, Rogers won three Grammys and six Country Music Association awards. He also collaborated with many industry greats, including Lionel Richie and fellow country singer Dolly Parton, with whom he sang the duet "Islands in the Stream."

"You never know how much you love somebody until they're gone. I've had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend Kenny, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend," Parton wrote on Twitter, along with a tribute video for Rogers after his death. 

Rogers released 65 albums and sold more than 165 million records. In 2017, he held his retirement concert, and a year later, he gave up performing due to health issues. He is survived by his wife Wanda Miller and his children: Christopher Cody Rogers, Carole Rogers, Jordan Edward Rogers, Justin Charles Rogers, and Kenny Rogers Jr.