Kenny Rogers Surprises Dolly Parton

Nashville, TN (Capitol Records) - Kenny Rogers couldn't miss the opportunity to help pay tribute to his long-time friend and most famous duet partner Dolly Parton as she was being honored at the 29th annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. on Sunday night (Dec. 3). During Carrie Underwood's performance of their smash-hit 'Islands In The Stream,' unbeknownst to honoree Parton as well as the other dignitaries, honorees (Steven Spielberg, Smokey Robinson, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Zubin Mehta) or President and Mrs. Bush, Rogers walks out during the song and performs with Underwood.

'Islands In The Stream,' a No 1 song on both the country and pop charts, was named country music's greatest duet by CMT.

In addition to Rogers , Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Alison Krauss, Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Simpson were also at the event to honor Parton.

Kenny Rogers is currently on the road again for the 25th anniversary of his highly acclaimed annual Christmas Tour, which is one of the longest running Christmas tours in history. The Tour 'Kenny Rogers Christmas and Hits Featuring Linda Davis,' kicked off in South Bend , Indiana on November 24th. Kenny will be performing some of his classics such as, 'The Gambler,' as well as new hits, 'I Can't Unlove You,' from Water & Bridges, and heartwarming Christmas songs, such as 'Let it Snow.'