Lionel Richie Describes Late Country Legend Kenny Rogers as 'One of His Closest Friends'

Lionel Richie, the owner of one of the most enchanting voices in the music industry, was shocked to learn that his good friend Kenny Rogers had passed.

On Saturday, the 70-year-old singer took to social media to pay his respects to Rogers' family and say that he just lost one of his closest friends.

DECADES OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP

Richie posted a series of pictures in which he can be seen hugging, kissing and having a laugh with Rogers throughout the years, proving how much they cared about each other.

Along with the sweet photos, the "American Idol" judge wrote that his heart was broken and reminisced about the numerous adventures they went on together.

THE SONG THAT BROUGHT THEM CLOSER

The two stars had not only a particularly close professional relationship but a personal one as well, especially after "Lady," Roger's hit song that was written by Richie.

Rogers' songs had such an impact that they became "common threads for people from all walks of life."

The song was released back in 1980 and is one of the late performer's most famous tracks. In 2012, during the Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert in Las Vegas, the two even got together on stage to sing it.

Rogers was supposed to do a solo performance but decided to ask Richie to join him due to how much it changed his career. He said:

"He's not just a friend of mine, but the song he wrote was truly a changing point in my career. It's one of the most identifiable songs I've ever done. I'd love to have you come up and sing it with me."

REMEMBERED BY HIS PEERS

But Richie wasn't the only artist who paid tribute to the late 81-year-old legend. Keith Urban also used social media to honor Rogers' life and his contribution to the music industry.

According to Urban, Rogers' songs traveled all around the world and had such an impact that they became "common threads for people from all walks of life."

Reba McEntire remembered Rogers as well with a very special photo in which she can be seen smiling at the camera while sweetly resting on his shoulders.

The 64-year-old thanked Rogers for his friendship and love and wrote that, even though he is going to be missed, she hopes to see him again one of these days.