Kris Kristofferson, the iconic country music singer-songwriter and actor known for his role in “A Star is Born” alongside Barbra Streisand, has passed away at the age of 88, his family announced on Sunday. The cause of death was not disclosed in the family’s statement.
Kristofferson, a Grammy winner and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, was celebrated for writing classic hits such as “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” In the mid-1980s, he gained fame as part of the supergroup The Highwaymen, alongside Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.
In addition to his music career, Kristofferson was recognized for his acting, notably as Whistler in the “Blade” vampire trilogy. His family shared the news of his passing on his official Facebook page, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28, at home in Hawaii. We’re all so blessed for our time with him.”
Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson had a nomadic childhood due to his father’s military career. He attended Pomona College and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. Although he briefly served in the Army, Kristofferson pursued a music career, moving to Nashville where he submitted songs for others to record before releasing his debut album in 1970.
His songwriting talents led to chart-topping hits, with Johnny Cash and Ray Price popularizing his songs. “Me and Bobby McGee” later became a posthumous hit for Janis Joplin, who had a romantic relationship with Kristofferson.
“Bob Dylan once remarked that you can look at Nashville pre-Kris and post-Kris, because he changed everything,” his official website quotes.
Kristofferson’s acting career took off with “A Star is Born” in 1976, earning him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. He faced challenges following the failure of the 1980 film “Heaven’s Gate,” struggling with addiction before returning to acting in various roles.
Although his solo album releases dwindled after the 1980s, he continued to tour and collaborate, particularly with Willie Nelson. Kristofferson announced his retirement from music in early 2021 due to memory loss.
Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young paid tribute, stating, “He created a body of work that gave voice not only to his soul but to ours.” Kristofferson is survived by his third wife, Lisa, and his eight children.
