I saw Don Schlitz[0] perform "The Gambler" at The Grand Ole Opry[1] last year (juuust before Covid). He said something like "Yeah, Kenny Rogers did well with this song, but I can still go to the grocery store without being recognized, and I still get paid when they play it" (or something to that effect). Funny guy, and a great singer too.
[0]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Schlitz
[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Ole_Opry