Co-stars, fans, and fellow musicians are uniting to honor the late Grammy Award-winning country artist and actor Kris Kristofferson, who passed away at the age of 88.
Kristofferson, celebrated for his contributions to both music and film, died peacefully at his home in Maui on Saturday, surrounded by his family.
Barbra Streisand, who starred alongside Kristofferson in the Oscar-winning 1976 remake of A Star Is Born, shared her heartfelt condolences on Instagram.
She shared, “The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in LA, I knew he was something special. Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became A Star Is Born.”
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Reba McEntire reminisced about Kristofferson, characterizing him as a “gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words.” Many who admired his talent and generosity echoed this sentiment.
Dolly Parton expressed her sorrow over losing her “great friend,” with whom she shared memorable duets like “From Here to the Moon and Back” and “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.”
She noted, “What a great loss, what a great writer, what a great actor, what a great friend,” emphasizing Kristofferson’s diverse talents.
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Country music star Travis Tritt also praised Kristofferson, describing him as an “inspiration” to countless artists and fans. His influence on the music industry was profound, inspiring generations with his powerful lyrics and unforgettable performances.
Grammy-winning country artist Lee Greenwood conveyed his sadness through a heartfelt photo tribute, remarking, “Hard to believe my friend Kris Kristofferson has left us. He was successful in all areas of his life. A champion boxer, a world-class actor, a spectacular songwriter and singer, and a hero to everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, provided insight into Kristofferson’s view on creativity, emphasizing his belief that “creativity is God-given, and those who disregard such a gift are destined for unhappiness.” This philosophy resonated deeply with his fans and fellow artists, reflecting his passion for artistic expression.
Kristofferson’s family released a statement regarding his passing, 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.”
They expressed gratitude for the moments shared with him, saying: “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.”
A prolific songwriter, Kristofferson began his remarkable career in the late 1960s, creating timeless classics like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “For the Good Times,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.”