Kenny Rogers cancels remaining farewell tour dates after 'health challenges'

One of the dates that has been scrapped is his scheduled appearance at Blackpool’s Livewire Festival in August.

The 79-year-old US singer has been advised by doctors to step back from performing in order to recuperate after “working through a series of health challenges”.

Rogers said in a statement: “I didn’t want to take forever to retire.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to say farewell to the fans over the course of the past two years on The Gambler’s Last Deal tour.

“I could never properly thank them for the encouragement and support they’ve given me throughout my career and the happiness I’ve experienced as a result of that.“

Rogers, who is best known for hits including Lady, The Gambler and his duet Islands In The Stream with Dolly Parton, was due to perform in venues across America in April, May and June before heading to the UK festival.

He announced his farewell tour in 2015, saying that he wanted to spend more time with his wife Wanda and their twin sons.

Livewire Festival said it hopes to announce a replacement artist for Rogers “very soon”.