Remembering our customer and friend: Kenny Rogers

Written by Palmer Team Member, Greg Wright - Kenworth of Louisville

The passing of Kenny Rogers on March 20, 2020 was too soon for many Americans.  Kenny was an American country music icon who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.  Many of us at Palmer Trucks knew him for the music he shared with us. - and for that, we are ever-thankful.

Though part of the Palmer Trucks family, Kenny was so much more than that to everyone he touched. As a long-term, loyal customer at Palmer Leasing Group in Louisville, he enriched our lives in numerous ways.  Yes, it was indeed Palmer Trucks that oversaw the Kenworth T600 that moved Kenny's band and stage equipment across the United States. A Palmer Trucks leasing unit built by Kenworth ensured 'the show would go on.'

In 2016, Palmer Trucks tried to sign a new, short-term lease with Kenny to place his crew in a new Kenworth T680,  knowing he did not have much more tour time left due to health issues. It seemed that Kenny 'knew when to hold 'em',  and by late 2017, he 'knew when to fold ’em.'  It was then that Kenny turned in his faithful Kenworth and 'called it quits.' Kenny had offered to autograph the truck for us, but on that day it simply was not meant to be, as it poured rain the entire day. Instead, he generously gave us two autographed pictures and a letter thanking Palmer Trucks for working so hard to keep his Kenworth on the road.

Kenny made a difference for millions of people with his music ,and likewise, Palmer Trucks made a difference ensuring his Kenworth moved across the country 'so the show could go on.' What we do makes a difference, even if we may not be able to see or understand it.

Greg Wright

Kenworth of Louisville

Kenny Rogers Photo Credit: University of Houston

Cover Photo Credit: Aaron's Auto & Truck Repair