Fellow actors, fans, and musicians are uniting to honor the late Grammy Award-winning country singer and actor Kris Kristofferson, who passed away at the age of 88.
Known for his contributions to both music and film, Kristofferson died peacefully at his home in Maui on Saturday, surrounded by his loved ones.
Barbra Streisand, who starred alongside Kristofferson in the Oscar-winning 1976 remake of A Star Is Born, shared her condolences on Instagram. She recalled, “The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in LA, I knew he was something special. Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became A Star Is Born.”
Reba McEntire remembered Kristofferson as a “gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words,” a sentiment shared by many who appreciated his artistry and generosity.
Dolly Parton expressed her sorrow over losing her “great friend,” with whom she recorded cherished duets such as “From Here to the Moon and Back” and “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.” She remarked, “What a great loss, what a great writer, what a great actor, what a great friend,” emphasizing Kristofferson’s diverse talents.
Country music star Travis Tritt praised Kristofferson as an “inspiration” to many artists and fans, highlighting his significant impact on the music industry through his deep lyrics and unforgettable performances.
Grammy-winning country artist Lee Greenwood conveyed his grief with a touching photo tribute, stating: “Hard to believe my friend Kris Kristofferson has left us. He excelled in every aspect of his life—champion boxer, world-class actor, outstanding songwriter and singer, and a hero to all who had the privilege to know him.”
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, shared Kristofferson’s beliefs on creativity, noting his view that “creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness.” This philosophy resonated deeply with his fans and fellow musicians, reflecting his passion for artistic expression.
Kristofferson’s family released a statement regarding his passing, which read: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28, at home.”
They expressed their gratitude for the time they shared with him, stating, “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.”
A prolific songwriter, Kristofferson launched his distinguished career in the late 1960s, creating timeless classics like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “For the Good Times,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.”