In 2005, CMT crowned “Islands In The Stream” the Number 1 duet of all time. During the live concert, the iconic pairing of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers took the stage together for the first time in 15 years.
The couple walks out on stage, and Dolly says to the crowd, ‘Thank you for making us number 1.’ Kenny starts singing the timeless tune’s first verse. He looks at Dolly the whole time, and they join together in harmony on the song’s bridge.
He’s dressed in all black with a long-sleeve white shirt unbuttoned. Dolly is in a shimmering baby blue gown that sparkles in the lights. There are two large signs with the song title ‘Islands in the Stream.’
On stage, the backing band takes the song and plays it a little faster to give more energy to the performance. Dolly exclaims before verse 2, ‘Can I sing one by myself?!’
Midway through the song, the duo goes back-to-back, and Dolly gives Kenny a shove with her butt. Kenny laughs as the two friends enjoy the moment. They continue to entertain the crowd while smiling and laughing at each other in between lines.
Dolly keeps the energy up so much that she is notably out of breath near the song’s close. The two stand arm-in-arm and embrace at the end while receiving a standing ovation. Dolly repeatedly thanks everyone for voting it number 1.
It is wonderful to watch two country legends perform a song that means so much to country music history. They put their all into the duet after having spent years apart. As the song hits its final chord, Kenny tells Dolly he loves her, and she replies, ‘I love you too!’
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