Kris Kristofferson, country music legend and actor, passed away peacefully at his Hawaii home on September 28, his family announced. He was 88. A renowned singer-songwriter and Country Music Hall of Fame honoree, Kristofferson was known for hits like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” Born in Texas in 1936, Kristofferson grew up in a military family, attended Oxford as a Rhodes scholar, and later joined the army before pursuing music and songwriting.
Kristofferson’s success extended to acting, starring alongside Barbra Streisand in “A Star is Born” (1976) and forming the supergroup The Highwaymen with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. His legacy includes his raspy voice, poignant lyrics, and iconic films like “Blade.” Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young praised Kristofferson’s work, saying it “gave voice not only to his soul but to ours.” Kristofferson is survived by his third wife, Lisa, and eight children.
During his illustrious career, Kristofferson earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy and Golden Globe award. His contributions to country music left a lasting impact, with Bob Dylan noting that Kristofferson changed everything in Nashville. Despite struggling with memory loss, Kristofferson continued to tour until the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually announcing his retirement from music in 2021. His family remembered him fondly, saying, “When you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”