Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton are two icons of country music, who have been friends for a long time. In their respective careers they’ve also sung a number of duets together, but their 1983 hit “Islands In The Stream” is one of the most well known and loved. To honor their friendship, they’ve paired up on a new duet titled “You Can’t Make Old Friends” and it’s truly beautiful to witness.
The official music video for “You Can’t Make Old Friends” starts off with the duo sitting side by side and discussing their decades-long friendship. Dolly starts off by mentioning it’s been 30 years since “Islands In The Stream” was a hit, stating: “To this day I never get tired of hearing that song, same with the audience, everybody loves that song.”
Kenny explains that when they were recording the song, the moment Dolly walked into the room “Something really special happened.” To which Dolly replied: “There’s something about mine and Kenny’s chemistry with each other, our friendship. People sense what we really feel.”
The two of them then discuss that they are soul partners. After Kenny brings it up, Dolly agrees, saying “There’s different kinds of soul mates, but it’s like with Kenny I just see him and I smile.” Kenny adds: “We can not see each other for six months and we walk in a room and it’s like we’re just back together again….we are old friends.”
The performance of the song then begins, with Kenny standing onstage in an empty theater under a spotlight. As he begins singing, we see Dolly sitting in her dressing room, before she begins singing too. Eventually, she joins Kenny on stage as they perform “You Can’t Make Old Friends” while holding hands. It’s warming to see such an iconic duo so close after so many years.
When the song ends the video jumps back to the couch again, as the two reflect further on their friendship. Kenny explains: “I think when we did ‘Islands In The Stream’ we connected musically, I think when we did ‘You Can’t Make Old Friends’ we connected personally.”
He goes on to explain that they made the song not with the intention of making a hit, but to record on tape their friendship. Kenny adds that to take the time and enjoy the other person for who they are, he’s ever so thankful Dolly did that with him.
In an extremely sweet moment, Dolly adds: “It’s been a wonderful journey, I’m glad I got to walk that road with you. Truly.” To which Kenny replies: “Out of everybody in the business, she is my best friend”, before Dolly adds “Yay, I feel the same way,” before Kenny leans in and kisses her on the cheek.
It’s an extremely touching video and performance from two country music legends, and not only is it a wonderful song, it serves to show their admiration for each other.
What did you think of Kenny and Dolly’s new song? Does it honor their strong friendship? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this on to your family and friends.
