KENNY ROGERS' BRAVE GOODBYE!

KENNY ROGERS soared to superstardom, but the raspy-voiced legend went to his grave crushed by heartrending regrets, close pals told The National ENQUIRER.

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The beloved singer was tormented over his unrequited love for country queens Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, choosing his career over family life — and the tragedy of not seeing his twin boys grow to manhood, insiders revealed.

Despite that, before he passed away on March 20 at age 81, Kenny realized he’d lived a full and remarkable life — and Dolly was one of the first to pay tribute to him.

“I think that I could speak for all his family, friends and fans when I say ‘I Will Always Love You,’ ” said a devastated Dolly.

Dolly sang with Kenny on the chart-topping 1983 hit “Islands in the Stream,” and the two recorded numerous duets over the years.

Their partnership was so dynamic, rumors swirled it had gone beyond professional — and Kenny hinted he was sorry it never did.

“She’s one of the sexiest women I’ve ever met!” he once gushed. “There was always tremendous electricity between us and I will always love her!”

Despite that, an insider claimed the two agreed not to pursue a romance, so they wouldn’t “destroy their friendship and their families.”