A Tribute to Country Music Legend Kris Kristofferson, dies at 88
- Kris Kristofferson passed away peacefully at the age of 88 at his home in Maui, Hawaii.
- He took his last breath surrounded by family on September 28, 2024.
- Kris is known for iconic songs like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
RIP! Kris Kristofferson sadly passed away
Kris Kristofferson is no longer alive among us. The beloved actor and country music singer-songwriter died peacefully at his home in Maui, Hawaii, at the age of 88. His family confirmed that he passed away surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
His family shared a heartfelt statement with PEOPLE, stating,
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home. 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,”
Following the confirmation of Kris Kristofferson’s death, many celebrities expressed their condolences on social media. Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, paid tribute to Kristofferson on Sunday. He wrote,
“Kris Kristofferson believed creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness. He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul but to ours. He leaves a resounding legacy.”
Travis Tritt, who acted alongside Kristofferson in the 1999 film Outlaw Justice, shared two nostalgic photos of them on Instagram.
He expressed his sadness over Kristofferson’s passing and described him as an “inspiration.” Tritt also extended his heartfelt condolences to Kristofferson’s wife, Lisa, and his family.
Melissa Etheridge posted a black-and-white photo with Kristofferson on X and wrote,
“Loved this man, his talent, his mind and beautiful heart, Journey well, my friend.”
In addition to these tributes, other notable figures such as LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire, Josh Brolin, and Dolly Parton also honored Kristofferson. Each shared their own memories and sentiments about the impact he had on their lives and careers.
Also read: OMG!!! Kris Kristofferson Relationships timeline: Affair, Marriage, Divorce, Viceversa
Kris is survived by his wife Lisa, eight children, and seven grandchildren.
He was previously married to fellow songwriter Rita Coolidge from 1973 until their divorce in 1980. The former couple achieved success together with several Grammy-winning duets.
Kris Kristofferson: A Look Back at His Career
Kris Kristofferson was a prominent American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. He had a passion for country music since he was young. In a 2013 interview with NPR, he mentioned that he wrote his first song, “I Hate Your Ugly Face,” at the age of 11.
In the late 1960s, Kristofferson wrote famous country and rock ‘n’ roll songs such as “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “Help Me Make it Through the Night,” “For the Good Times,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” While Kristofferson was a singer, many of his songs became popular through other artists, including Ray Price‘s version of “For the Good Times” and Janis Joplin’s rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Kristofferson also had a successful acting career. His first acting role was in Dennis Hopper’s film “The Last Movie,” released in 1971. He starred alongside Ellen Burstyn in Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” In 1976, he acted opposite Barbra Streisand in the remake of “A Star Is Born,” a role later played by Bradley Cooper in the 2018 version.
Kristofferson had a passion for Westerns and often used his gravelly voice to portray rugged leading men. He played the title outlaw in Sam Peckinpah’s 1973 film “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,” a truck driver in Peckinpah’s 1978 film “Convoy,” and a corrupt sheriff in John Sayles’ 1996 film “Lone Star.”
He also appeared in one of Hollywood’s biggest financial flop films, “Heaven’s Gate.” It was a Western release in 1980 that exceeded its budget by tens of millions of dollars.
Furthermore, Kris made a rare appearance in a superhero movie when he played Abraham Whistler, the mentor to Wesley Snipes‘ character, Blade, in the 1998 film “Blade.” In 2021, he retired from performing and recording but still made occasional guest appearances on stage.
Also read: Lisa Meyers, the third wife of Kris Kristofferson changed his world!