- Kris Kristofferson, country music icon, dies at 88
- Legendary career spanned hit songs, 3 Grammys, and film roles
- Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, and Reba McEntire pay heartfelt tributes
Kris Kristofferson, the acclaimed country singer and actor, has passed away at the age of 88, prompting heartfelt tributes from fans and fellow artists alike.
Dolly Parton expressed her sorrow, stating, “What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend.” She concluded her tribute on social media with the words “I will always love you,” a reference to one of her most iconic songs.
Barbra Streisand recalled her first impression of Kristofferson, saying she “knew he was something special” during their time working together on the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born. In that film, they performed the Oscar-winning love theme “Evergreen,” which showcased their chemistry both on screen and through music. Streisand also invited Kristofferson to join her on stage at Hyde Park in 2019, reflecting on that moment with joy: “He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause. It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved,” she wrote on Instagram.
Known for his powerful songwriting, Kristofferson penned classics like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” Kyle Young, chief executive of the Country Music Hall of Fame, remarked, “He created a body of work that gave voice not only to his soul but to ours.”
Kristofferson passed away peacefully at his home in Hawaii on Saturday, surrounded by family. A representative described him as “a peacenik, a revolutionary, an actor, a superstar, a sex symbol, and a family man.” His family expressed their gratitude for the time spent with him, stating, “Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
Singer LeAnn Rimes honored Kristofferson, calling him “an epic human with the biggest heart. You will be so, so missed. Rest easy, my friend.” Melissa Etheridge added, “Loved this man, his talent, his mind and his beautiful heart.” Reba McEntire shared, “What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Kris.”
Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson became a pivotal figure in country music. He once reflected, “When I got started, I was one of the people hoping to bring respect to country music. Some of the songs I had that got to be hits did that. I imagine that’s why somebody might vote me into a Hall of Fame. I know it’s not because of my golden throat.”
Kristofferson studied writing at Pomona College in California before becoming a Rhodes scholar at Oxford, where he earned his master’s degree in 1960. After serving in the military, he resigned from his post and moved to Nashville in 1965 to pursue music.
Kyle Young noted that Kristofferson left behind “a resounding legacy,” highlighting his belief that “creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness.” He emphasized that Kristofferson’s work gave voice not only to his soul but to those of many others.
Throughout his career, Kristofferson won three Grammy Awards for Best Country Song, including “Help Me Make It Through the Night” in 1972. He was also celebrated for his acting, making his debut as John Norman Howard in A Star Is Born and later appearing in films like Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Lone Star, and the Blade franchise. In 1985, he received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score for Songwriter, where he co-starred with Willie Nelson.
In 2003, Kristofferson was honored with the Free Speech Award from the Americana Music Association and became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004. His numerous lifetime achievement awards included accolades from The Recording Academy, the Country Music Association, and the Academy of Country Music.
Kristofferson is survived by his wife, Lisa, eight children, and seven grandchildren.
