Legendary Country musician Kris Kristofferson has passed away at the age of 88. Kris died on September 28, 2024, peacefully at his home in Maui, Hawaii, surrounded by family.
Kristofferson was a towering figure in country music and Hollywood, known for his influential songwriting, such as “Me and Bobby McGee,” and his roles in films like A Star Is Born. No cause of death has been specified yet, but his passing marks the end of a remarkable life that spanned multiple artistic fields.
“A kind Soul” and “Lover of words; What they said about Kris Kristofferson
Following Kris Kristofferson’s death at age 88 in September 2024, many prominent figures from the entertainment world paid tribute to the country legend.
- Dolly Parton, who had a long friendship and professional history with Kristofferson, expressed her deep sorrow on social media, calling him “a great writer, actor, and friend” and adding, “I will always love you”.
- Barbra Streisand, who co-starred with him in the 1976 film A Star is Born, shared her fond memories of their work together, particularly highlighting his charm and talent both on screen and off.
- Reba McEntire, another notable country music star, described Kristofferson as “a kind soul and a lover of words,” expressing gratitude for having known him
- George Strait also reflected on Kristofferson’s legacy, noting the rarity of talents like his, both as a songwriter and a kind-hearted individual.
- LeAnn Rimes, along with many others, also shared tributes, praising his heart and influence on the music world.
About Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson was a well-known American singer, songwriter, and actor. He gained fame in the 1970s for his contributions to country music and his songwriting, including hits like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
Kristofferson has also had a successful acting career, starring in films such as A Star Is Born (1976), for which he won a Golden Globe, Convoy (1978), and Blade (1998).
Beyond his music and acting, Kristofferson is admired for his intellectual background, having been a Rhodes Scholar, and for his service in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot before pursuing a career in music.
Kris Kristofferson’s wives and children
Kris Kristofferson was married three times and had eight children across his marriages:
1. Fran Beer (1961–1969): Fran was Kris Kristofferson’s first wife. They married in 1961 and had two children together, Tracy and Kris Jr. The couple divorced in 1969. Fran and Kris reportedly separated due to the strains on their marriage caused by his growing music career.
2. Rita Coolidge (1973–1980): Rita Coolidge, a well-known singer, was his second wife. The couple collaborated on music projects and won Grammy Awards together. They had one daughter, Casey. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1980, with some reports attributing the split to both personal and professional challenges.
3. Lisa Meyers (1983–2024): Kristofferson’s third and longest marriage was to Lisa Meyers, a lawyer. They married in 1983 and had five children together: Johnny, Kelly, Blake, Jesse, and Jody. Lisa is credited with helping to stabilize Kristofferson’s life during the later years of his career.
Kristofferson’s relationships, particularly with Coolidge, were often intertwined with his music career, but his marriage to Lisa Meyers gave him stability and support later in life.
