Kenny Rogers

The "Sweet Music Man" singer died in March at age 81.

He wasn't the first country star to record the song ... and he nearly passed on it himself.

"I miss him so much," McEntire says. "He's such a special person and a big-hearted giver."

All 50-plus of 'em.

Dwight Yoakam became a first-time father at an age many dads are looking forward to getting their kids out of the house.

The country icon had quite an eventful life.

He had expensive taste in real estate and the money to back it up.

His version sounded very different from Rogers' hit.

Imagine how different things could have been.

Friendship goals!