On doctor’s orders, country legend Kenny Rogers, 79, has to walk away early from his final tour, according to a statement released last month. Now, his bandmates are speaking out to Closer Weekly about his series of health challenges.

“They recommended he stay home to get his energy back,” Kenny’s band member Chuck Jacobs tells Closer, adding that Kenny was disappointed but trying to keep his spirits up.

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Adds former band member Warren Hartman, “He was recovering a little slower from a surgical procedure than anticipated. He’s steadily progressing but, due to his age, recovery is [not as fast]. And the tour is demanding.”

Though there’s been no confirmation of what surgery Kenny’s had, he battled skin cancer in 2014 and he’s undergone prior knee replacements and rotator-cuff procedures.

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Luckily, Kenny also has a great support team at home — a wife of 20 years, Wanda, and their twin boys, Jordan and Justin, 13. “She’s a miracle worker,” Chuck tells Closer of Wanda.

For more on Kenny Rogers, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!