A classic rock star says he owes a debt of gratitude to a late country legend.

Don Henley says before he became a member of the Eagles, Kenny Rogers helped to connect him to those who would later become his Eagles bandmates.  Henley in a statement calls Rogers a “wise mentor” whose “big-hearted support launched many careers.”

Rogers died Friday at the age of 81.

Read more about Henley's memories of Rogers here.