Tributes have poured in for Kris Kristofferson, the celebrated country singer and actor, who passed away at the age of 88.
Dolly Parton expressed her sorrow, stating, "What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend," closing her heartfelt message with "I will always love you," referencing her iconic song.
Barbra Streisand recalled knowing he was special the first time she saw him perform. The two starred together in the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born, where they sang the Oscar-winning love theme "Evergreen." Streisand later invited Kristofferson to perform with her at London’s Hyde Park in 2019, where he received an enthusiastic response from the audience. She described the experience as "a joy" and a recognition of his well-deserved legacy.
Kristofferson was a master songwriter, known for hits like "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night." Kyle Young, CEO 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."
A representative confirmed that Kristofferson passed away peacefully at his home in Hawaii, surrounded by family. They 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 and shared a touching message: "Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all."
LeAnn Rimes honored him as "an epic human with the biggest heart," while Melissa Etheridge praised his talent and kindness. Reba McEntire added, "What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him."
Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson became a key figure in country music. He studied writing at Pomona College, became a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, and earned his master's degree in 1960 before serving in the army. In 1965, he moved to Nashville to pursue music, leaving behind a military career.
Kyle Young emphasized Kristofferson’s enduring influence, saying, "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." Kristofferson won three Grammys, debuted in film with A Star Is Born, and starred in numerous iconic movies.
He was also a founding member of the supergroup The Highwaymen alongside Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. In addition to receiving multiple lifetime achievement awards, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
Kristofferson is survived by his wife, Lisa, eight children, and seven grandchildren.