Kris Kristofferson, the renowned country singer and actor known for his collaborations with Johnny Cash and Martin Scorsese, has passed away at the age of 88. A representative confirmed that he died “peacefully” at his home in Hawaii on Saturday, surrounded by family.
The statement from his family described Kristofferson as “a peacenik, a revolutionary, an actor, a superstar, a sex symbol, and a family man.” He was celebrated for his songwriting, notably for classics such as “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” He also gained fame for his role in the film *A Star Is Born*.
His family expressed their gratitude for the time they spent with him, stating, “Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all,” as reported by CBS News, the BBC’s U.S. partner.
Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson became a pivotal figure in country music. Reflecting on his career, he remarked, “When I got started, I was one of the people hoping to bring respect to country music.” He acknowledged that some of his hit songs contributed to that respect, humorously adding, “I imagine that’s why somebody might vote me into a Hall of Fame. I know it’s not because of my golden throat.”
Kristofferson studied writing at Pomona College in California and later attended Oxford as a Rhodes scholar, earning his master’s degree in 1960. He then returned to the U.S. and joined the army, where he was assigned to teach literature, a role he described as “sounding like hell.”
In 1965, he visited Nashville, and within two weeks, he resigned from his military position to pursue a career in country music. The head of the Country Hall of Fame and Museum noted that Kristofferson leaves behind “a resounding legacy.”
“Kris Kristofferson believed creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness,” wrote Kyle Young on X. He emphasized that Kristofferson preached the idea that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and his work resonated not only with his own soul but with others as well.
Kristofferson won three Grammys for Best Country Song, including for “Help Me Make It Through the Night” in 1972, as well as two additional Grammys for duets with Rita Coolidge in 1974 and 1976. The two were married during the 1970s.
He made his acting debut in 1971 and later won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of John Norman Howard in A Star Is Born (1976), starring alongside Barbra Streisand as Ester Hoffman. His acting career included notable roles in films such as Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Lone Star, and the Blade franchise.
In 1985, Kristofferson formed a supergroup called The Highwaymen with fellow legends Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. Reflecting on his unexpected inclusion in the group, he humorously remarked, “Every time I look at a picture of Willie and me and John and Waylon, I find it amazing that they let the janitor in there,” referencing his earlier job at CBS’s Nashville studio.
In 2003, he received the Free Speech Award from the Americana Music Association, and the following year, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He also received numerous lifetime achievement honors from organizations such as The Recording Academy, the Country Music Association, and the Academy of Country Music.
Kristofferson is survived by his wife, Lisa, as well as his eight children and seven grandchildren
