Groundbreaking country music singer-songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson has died at 88 years old. His family confirmed the news of his passing in a statement, saying Kristofferson died on September 29 at his home in Maui, Hawaii, surrounded by loved ones and requested privacy during this time.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully,” read the Instagram post. “We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
No cause of death was specified. The musician had reportedly been suffering from memory loss since he was in his 70s.
Tributes began pouring in across social media from other country greats and those who worked alongside him for many years.
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, praised Kristofferson for his special gift and the impact he left on others through his songwriting. “Kris Kristofferson believed to his core that creativity is God-given, and that those who ignore or deflect such a holy gift are doomed to failure and unhappiness,” read the statement. “He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and then he created a body of work that gave voice not only to his soul but to ours.”
Friend and fellow country music singer-songwriter John Rich called working with Kristofferson a “distinct honor,” remembering their friendship over the years. “He was one of the greatest lyricists to ever live, and a true class act. He set the bar so very high. Miss ya brother,” he wrote.
Dubbed as “the queen of country,” Reba McEntire called Kristofferson “one of her favorite people” who was a “gentleman, kind soul, and lover of words.” “I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him,” she wrote. “Rest in peace Kris.”
Kristofferson is survived by his wife Lisa along with eight children and seven grandchildren.
Born in Brownsville Texas,Kristoffersen grew up in San Mateo California where he attended college before enlisting in Army.There ,he was tapped teach English at West Point but moved Nashville 1965 pursue passion music full-time.He worked commercial helicopter pilot swept floors Columbia Records studio frequented likes Bob Dyan,Hank Williams,and Johnny Cash eventually recorded Kritsoffersen’s Sunday Morning Coming Down.Despite being singer himself,songs best known performed others including Ray Price’s For Good Times Janis Joplin’s single Me Bobby McGee.His first four albums reached countries top ten chart,his No1.country hit Why Me topped country LP chart.In mid-1970s,pursued side career acting where made breakthrough Hollywood role hit remake A Star Is Born opposite Barbra Streisand.He won award best performance actor during 1977 Golden Globes film holds over hundred acting credits including Songwriter,Lone Star,Semi-Tough,the Blade trilogy,and many others.Kristoffersen went become part supergroup Highwaymen alongside Waylon Jennings,Wille Nelson,and Johnny Cash revolutionized outlaw country genre1980s.The quartet released two more popular albums1990and1995.Throughout career garnered thirteen Grammy nominations three wins including Best Country Song hit Help Make It Through Night.Kristoffersen was induced into Country Music Hall Fame2004 received Lifetime Achievement Award Recording Academy decade later.He continued performing full sets up until beginning2020with one final performances being during celebration Willie Nelson’s90th birthday Hollywood Bowl2023
