Jul 4, 2001

Garth Brooks performs "We Shall Be Free" on an ABC special marking the 225th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A version of "America, The Beautiful" featuring 30 country and Christian artists is cut 10 minutes before air time

Sep 7, 2001

Billy Gilman participates in a tribute to Michael Jackson at Madison Square Garden, singing "Ben" while Kenny Rogers joins in "We Are The World." Also on the show: 'N Sync, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, Britney Spears and Ray Charles, who performs "Cryin' Time" with jazz singer Cassandra Wilson

Feb 5, 2002

BNA releases the "Totally Country" compilation, featuring Brooks & Dunn, Lonestar, Trick Pony, Kenny Chesney, Tammy Cochran, Sara Evans, Blake Shelton, Diamond Rio, Keith Urban, Dwight Yoakam, Kenny Rogers, Martina McBride and Travis Tritt

Jun 7, 2002

Kenny Rogers makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, performing "The Gambler" and "Buy Me A Rose"

Jun 11, 2002

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opens "This Is My Country," an exhibit of photos taken by Kenny Rogers of other acts. Among his subjects: Dolly Parton, Minnie Pearl, Tammy Wynette, Bill Monroe, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Alan Jackson

Oct 1, 2002

HarperCollins publishes "Christmas In Canaan," a book about an interracial friendship written by Kenny Rogers and Donald Davenport

Mar 14, 2003

The Country Music Foundation publishes "Heartaches By The Number," celebrating country's "500 greatest singles." None of Kenny Rogers' country records make the list, although "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love Town," a pop hit with The First Edition, does

Mar 15, 2003

Reba McEntire sings "The Nearness Of You" with Rod Stewart during a charity event, Celebrity Fight Night, at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. Also on hand: Lee Greenwood, Pam Tillis, David Foster and Kenny Rogers

Mar 19, 2003

Knoxville radio station WIVK, instrumental in the career of Dolly Parton, celebrates 50 years on the air with a party. Among the guests: Parton, Kenny Chesney, Darryl Worley, Trick Pony, Kenny Rogers, Phil Vassar, Joe Nichols and Aaron Tippin

Mar 20, 2003

Kenny Rogers performs at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Rebecca Lynn Howard is a surprise guest, joining him on "Islands In The Stream" and "We've Got Tonight," while Linda Davis takes the stage to duet on "Anyone Who Isn't Me Tonight"