Kris Kristofferson, the esteemed actor and country music singer-songwriter, has passed away at the age of 88. He died peacefully at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on September 28, surrounded by family.
In a heartfelt statement shared with PEOPLE, his family expressed their sorrow: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband, father, and grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully. 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.”
Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson was the son of Mary Ann (née Ashbrook) and Lars Henry Kristofferson, a first-generation Swedish immigrant and U.S. Army officer. His passion for music ignited at a young age; he penned his first song, “I Hate Your Ugly Face,” at just 11 years old. His childhood was marked by frequent moves due to his father’s military career, eventually settling in San Mateo, California.
Kristofferson’s early literary talents were evident when two of his short stories were published in Atlantic Monthly at age 18. He attended Pomona College, where he excelled in athletics and academics, earning recognition on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” in 1958. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he received a Rhodes Scholarship and pursued a master’s degree in English literature at Oxford University.
Following his studies, Kristofferson enlisted in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of captain and serving as a helicopter pilot. While stationed in West Germany, he continued to nurture his songwriting skills, forming a band with fellow soldiers. After his military service, he was offered a teaching position at West Point but chose to follow his musical dreams in Nashville, Tennessee, resigning from the Army in 1965.
Kristofferson quickly made a name for himself in Nashville, writing hits like “For the Good Times” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” His songs gained traction through various artists, notably Ray Price and Johnny Cash, the latter winning the CMA Award for Song of the Year in 1970 for his rendition of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.”
His collaboration with Janis Joplin on “Me and Bobby McGee” became iconic, reaching No. 1 on the pop charts and earning two Grammy nominations. Throughout the 1970s, Kristofferson released successful albums and singles, often working alongside his then-wife, Rita Coolidge, winning two Grammys for their joint projects.
Kristofferson’s influence extended beyond music. He starred in notable films such as Cisco Pike (1972), Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid (1973), and Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974). His breakout role came in the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born, opposite Barbra Streisand, earning him a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
He later formed the country supergroup The Highwaymen with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson, achieving chart-topping success with their 1985 album Highwayman.
Over his illustrious career, Kristofferson received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards and a lifetime achievement honor from the Recording Academy in 2014. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for Songwriter in 1985.
In recent years, Kristofferson candidly discussed his health struggles, including a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, later identified as Lyme disease. His wife, Lisa, reported significant improvements following treatment, allowing him to continue enjoying life and creativity.
Kristofferson announced his retirement from music in 2021, following the release of his final studio album, The Cedar Creek Sessions, in 2016. His legacy as an artist and songwriter remains profound, with many praising his ability to connect deeply with audiences through his work.
He is survived by his wife Lisa, eight children, and seven grandchildren. Kristofferson’s life was a testament to the power of creativity, honesty, and love, as he once shared: “Tell the truth, sing with passion, work with laughter, and love with heart. Those are good to start with anyway.”
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