Wanda Rogers commemorated what would have been her 29th wedding anniversary with the late country music icon Kenny Rogers on June 1. The couple, who tied the knot in 1997 on Rogers’ ranch in Athens, Georgia, shared a deep bond that Wanda continues to cherish following his passing in March 2020 at the age of 81.
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In a poignant tribute shared on social media, Wanda reflected on their special day, expressing her enduring love for Kenny despite his absence. “Today is the most special day for me: our wedding anniversary,” she posted alongside a photo from their wedding day, courtesy of Kenny’s team. “Even though I can’t touch you, I hold you in my heart forever, Kenny… Justin, Jordan, and I miss you so much. Love, Wanda.”
Kenny Rogers’ team complemented Wanda’s heartwarming message by highlighting the couple’s wedding song, “As God Is My Witness.” The lyrics, penned by Kenny along with fellow songwriters Warren Hartman and Steve Glassmeyer, encapsulate his heartfelt devotion to Wanda. Notable lines from the song include, “You’re not my first love, but you’ll be my last,” and “As God is my witness, I’ll give you all my love.”
Since her husband’s passing, Wanda has made it a priority to honour his memory and preserve his legacy. Along with continuing to grieve, she is a dedicated mother to the couple’s twin sons, Justin and Jordan. Kenny Rogers was also a father to four children from previous relationships, including daughter Carole and sons Kenny Jr. and Christopher.
Three years after Kenny’s death, Wanda opened up about the profound loss she experienced during an interview with PEOPLE. She described him as an “average guy” who eschewed pretentiousness, teaching their sons valuable life lessons in humility. “I miss his love, his support. I miss his touch. I miss everything about him. I wish we could have that one last conversation just to say, ‘Are you good? Are you OK?'” she shared, reflecting on the void left by his absence.
Wanda revealed that Kenny had expressed his wishes for her happiness even before his death. “He said, ‘I’m not going to be here forever. I want you to be happy,’” she recalled. “’You’re young. I want you to have a full life past me.’” Although initially reluctant to accept such discussions, she ultimately recognised the wisdom and love behind his words.
In recent statements, Wanda mentioned that she is now “dating someone very special,” noting that it took time for her to move on following Kenny’s death. “Kenny gave me his very best, and he wanted me to move on and be happy,” she reflected. “That’s a really big man to be able to say those words and mean it. I think it just shows the kind of guy he was.”
As the anniversary of their wedding serves as a bittersweet reminder of love lost and shared memories, Wanda Rogers continues to honour the legacy of the man who profoundly impacted her life and the lives of their children. Her commitment to keeping his memory alive is evident in her heartfelt reflections, ensuring that Kenny’s music, character, and love story remain a cherished part of their family’s narrative.
This year, as she navigates the complexities of grief while also embracing new beginnings, Wanda exemplifies the enduring nature of love that transcends even the harshest realities of loss. Her journey reflects a story of resilience, affection, and remembrance as she celebrates what would have been 29 years of matrimonial bliss with a man who left an indelible mark on her heart and the world of music.