Kris Kristofferson, a legendary country music singer and actor, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday at 88, his family confirmed. His wife, Lisa, along with his eight children and seven grandchildren, shared a heartfelt message: “We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these years. When you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us.”
Kristofferson, known for his soulful songwriting and acting career, was a major force in both Nashville and Hollywood. He wrote timeless country hits that were covered by stars like Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, and Gladys Knight. He also earned a Golden Globe for his role opposite Barbra Streisand in the 1976 film A Star is Born. Streisand paid tribute to him, calling him “special” and “charming.”
Dolly Parton, who performed with Kristofferson, expressed her sorrow: “What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly.” Country singer Reba McEntire added, “What a gentleman, kind soul, and lover of words. I’m so glad I got to meet him.”
Born in Texas in 1936, Kristofferson initially pursued a career as a novelist before discovering music. After studying at Pomona College and as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford, he briefly explored music in the UK under the name Kris Carson. He later became a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army but left the military in 1965 to follow his passion for songwriting.
Kristofferson’s breakthrough came when he famously landed a helicopter in Johnny Cash’s yard to hand him a demo tape. Cash’s recording of Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down became a No. 1 hit, launching Kristofferson’s career. He went on to release 18 studio albums, including hits like Me and Bobby McGee and Help Me Make It Through the Night.
In addition to his music, Kristofferson had a successful acting career, starring in films such as Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973) and Semi-Tough (1977). He also formed the supergroup The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings in the 1980s.
Kristofferson was also politically outspoken, criticizing U.S. policies in Central America during the Reagan era. His 1986 album Repossessed reflected these views.
He retired in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of both music and film that will endure for generations. Kristofferson is survived by his wife Lisa and their five children, as well as three children from his previous marriages.
