Grammy-winning country music artist and actor Kris Kristofferson has passed away at the age of 88. Kristofferson’s family announced his death on Saturday in a statement on his official Facebook account. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully,” the statement read on Sunday.
The family expressed their gratitude for the love shown to him over the years, adding, “When you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.” His family confirmed that Kristofferson died peacefully at his home in Maui, Hawaii.
Kristofferson’s career was diverse: he was a Rhodes scholar, U.S. Army veteran, pilot, Golden Gloves boxer, and award-winning actor. However, his songs, such as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” cemented his place as a music legend. Bob Dylan once remarked that Kristofferson changed the landscape of Nashville.
Heartbroken over the recent passing of legendary country singer Kris Kristofferson at the age of 88.
Here is Kris with The Highwaymen performing “Highwayman” Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1990.
Rest In Peace legend 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BSX1Iasko2
— 🎸 Rock History 🎸 (@historyrock_) September 29, 2024
Born Kristoffer Kristofferson in Brownsville, Texas, on June 22, 1936, he earned a master’s degree from Oxford, moved to California, joined the Army, and became a helicopter pilot. He began writing songs inspired by Dylan and turned down a teaching assignment at West Point to move to Nashville.
After years of struggle, including working as a janitor at a studio where Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan recorded, Kristofferson’s breakthrough came when stars like Tom T. Hall, Ray Price, Roger Miller, Ray Stevens, and Cash recorded his songs. Cash’s rendition of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” won the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year in 1970, the same year Kristofferson released his debut solo album.
His album featured “Me and Bobby McGee,” which Janis Joplin recorded before her death in October 1970. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971 and became Joplin’s signature song.
In 1971, Kristofferson began his acting career, appearing in films like “A Star Is Born,” “Semi-Tough,” “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,” “The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea,” “Lone Star,” and “Blade.” His role in “A Star Is Born” earned him a Golden Globe.
In 1985, Kristofferson joined Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson in the supergroup The Highwaymen. He continued his solo career and toured until 2020. Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and won multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy.
When Willie Nelson was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, he advocated for Kristofferson’s induction. Kristofferson, who dated Janis Joplin and was once married to singer Rita Coolidge, is survived by his wife, Lisa, eight children from three marriages, and seven grandchildren.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports that Kris Kristofferson, a renowned US country singer and actor, has died aged 88, celebrating his balanced music and acting career and profound country songwriting.(read more)
- People.com reports on the passing of Kris Kristofferson, an actor and country legend who died peacefully at 88, leaving a musical legacy behind. His family shared a heartfelt statement.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How old was Kris Kristofferson when he died?
Where did Kris Kristofferson pass away?
In his home in Maui, Hawaii.
What are some of Kris Kristofferson’s famous songs?
“Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
What notable movie did Kris Kristofferson star in?
He starred in “A Star Is Born,” which won him a Golden Globe.
Was Kris Kristofferson a member of any supergroup?
Yes, he was a member of The Highwaymen with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.
