Kris Kristofferson was a legendary country music artist and actor. Kristofferson was known for writing the classic hit “Me and Bobby McGee.” He has died at age 88. His family announced on Facebook that he passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at home.
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Kris Kristofferson. He touched so many lives, and we are grateful for the time we had with him. When you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us,” the statement read.
A Career of Musical Mastery and Hollywood Stardom
Kristofferson’s influence on country music is undeniable. As a three-time Grammy Award winner, his poignant lyrics and distinctive songwriting style have been celebrated for over six decades. Hits like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night” are still beloved by fans. Icons such as Janis Joplin and Johnny Cash famously covered his songs.
In 1971, Kristofferson ventured into acting. He won a Golden Globe for his role in A Star Is Born (1976). He starred opposite Barbra Streisand. His other notable film roles include Semi-Tough, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Blade, and the infamous Heaven’s Gate.
Tributes Pour in from Fellow Artists
Hollywood and the music world mourn Kristofferson’s passing. Streisand shared a touching tribute, recalling the first time she saw him perform barefoot at the Troubadour in L.A., sparking her decision to cast him in A Star Is Born.
Country music legend Dolly Parton also expressed her sadness on social media. She called Kristofferson “a great writer, a great actor, and a great friend.”
From Rhodes Scholar to Music Legend
Born in Brownsville, Texas, in 1936, Kristofferson attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, where he began writing songs. After serving in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot, he moved to Nashville. He worked odd jobs while chasing his dream of songwriting.
His big break came when Johnny Cash recorded “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” These successes cemented Kristofferson’s legacy in both music and film.
Related: Harry Potter’s Star, Dame Maggie Smith Passes Away at 89
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