Don Schlitz, country songwriter behind 'The Gambler,' dies at 73

Don Schlitz, the songwriter behind Kenny Rogers' 'The Gambler' and other country hits, died at 73 after a sudden illness at a Nashville hospital; the Grand Ole Opry and music organizations released statements honoring his career.

Don Schlitz, the songwriter best known for Kenny Rogers' 'The Gambler,' has died at age 73. He died Thursday at a Nashville hospital following what the Grand Ole Opry described as a sudden illness, and a cause of death was not immediately known. Schlitz wrote other notable songs and was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Known details: - Died Thursday at a Nashville hospital after a sudden illness; the cause of death was not immediately known. - He wrote Kenny Rogers' 'The Gambler' and other hits including 'Forever and Ever, Amen' and 'When You Say Nothing at All.' - He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry said its Saturday night show will serve as a tribute. Summary: His songwriting had a wide influence on country music and several industry organizations issued statements mourning his passing. The Grand Ole Opry's Saturday night show is scheduled to serve as a tribute to his work.