ADVERTISEMENT
In 1977, Rogers entered his most high-profile marriage to date, wedding the actress Marianne Gordon. This era was arguably the peak of his commercial power, defined by hits like “The Gambler” and “Lady.” Together they had a son, Chris, and for fifteen years, it seemed that Rogers had finally found a sustainable rhythm. Marianne was his anchor during both his massive surges in popularity and the inevitable quiet periods that followed. Yet, even this “perfect marriage,” as he would later call it, fell victim to the inherent restlessness of a man who didn’t know how to stop running. When they divorced in 1993, the settlement was a staggering $60 million—a figure that would have embittered most men. Rogers, however, remained a gentleman to the end. He publicly stated that Marianne deserved every cent for her years of loyalty and for standing by him when his career felt like a sinking ship. He walked away with his head high, but with his heart still searching for a final destination.
That destination arrived in the form of Wanda Miller. When they met, the age gap was significant—nearly three decades—but the emotional connection was instantaneous. For the first time, Rogers found himself in a relationship where the music didn’t have to be the mistress. As he entered his 60s, a new chapter began that he hadn’t entirely planned for: the prospect of starting over as a father. Wanda, who had never had children of her own, expressed a deep desire for motherhood. Rogers, already a grandfather and having raised four children to adulthood, was initially hesitant. He worried about his energy levels and the reality of being an “old” father. But his love for Wanda outweighed his fear of the unknown.
Continue reading…