Kris Kristofferson, the legendary country singer and actor, has died at the age of 88.
His family confirmed his passing on Sunday night, September 29, stating that he “passed away peacefully” at home on Saturday, September 28.
“We are incredibly grateful for the time we had with him,” read the family’s statement, signed by his wife, Lisa, along with his eight children and seven grandchildren. “Thank you for loving him through the years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at all of us.”
Kristofferson was a frequent presence at the top of the US country charts, with his songs famously covered by artists like Janis Joplin, Gladys Knight, and Johnny Cash.
In the mid-1970s, he ventured into film, collaborating with iconic directors such as Martin Scorsese and Sam Peckinpah. He won a Golden Globe for his performance alongside Barbra Streisand in the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born.
Streisand honored her co-star on Instagram, describing him as a “special” and “charming” performer. “It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved,” she wrote.
Dolly Parton, who performed duets with Kristofferson, shared her grief: “What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly.”
Country star Reba McEntire also paid tribute, recalling her time with Kristofferson: “What a gentleman, kind soul, and lover of words. I’m grateful to have met him. One of my favorite people.”