“He’s going to be talking to God some time today and he’s going to be asking him to spread some light onto this darkness going on here ”

Kenny Rogers was many things to many people. He was America’s “Favorite Singer,” at least according to a poll by PEOPLE and USA Today. He was one of country music’s most influential singers, winning numerous accolades and awards, and the voice behind “The Gambler,” “Lady,” and “Islands In the Stream”—his hit duet with Dolly Parton—was beloved by many, especially since Rogers was (and still is) considered a crossover artist. But to Dolly Parton he wasn’t just a colleague, he was a friend—a “true friend”—and on Saturday, Parton took to Twitter to mourn the loss of the man she knew as Kenny, who lost his life at age 81.

“I couldn’t believe it this morning when I got up, turned on the TV, checking to see what the coronavirus was doing and they told me that my friend and singing partner Kenny Rogers had passed away,” Parton, 74, said.

According to Variety, Rogers died “from natural causes” while under hospice care.

“I know that we all know that Kenny’s in a better place than we are today, but I’m for sure he’s going to be talking to God some time today—if he ain’t already—and he’s going to be asking him to spread some light onto this darkness going on here. I loved Kenny with all my heart,” Parton added, “and my heart’s broken and a big ole chunk has gone with him today… I will always love you.”

Parton then took a moment to show off a picture of her and Rogers.

“Just happened to have this picture of us when I walked out this morning and I thought well, maybe I’ll hold that up to everybody,” she said. “So I know you’re sad as I am but God bless you, Kenny. Fly high straight to the arms of God and to the rest of you, keep the faith.”

Parton wasn’t the only celebrity to pay tribute to Rogers. Blake Shelton wrote “I can’t express on twitter the impact Kenny Rogers the artist and the man had on me. He was always very kind and fun to be around. Rest In Peace Gambler.”

And Reba McEntire wrote “Kenny, Go rest high on that mountain. Please tell mama and daddy hi for me. Thank you for your friendship and your love. We are going to miss you but we are so happy you’re singing with the Angels in heaven.