Kris Kristofferson’s Passing Sparks Wave of Star-Studded Tributes

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Kris Kristofferson, the prolific country music icon and Hollywood actor, has passed away at 88.

According to a family spokeswoman, Kristofferson died peacefully on Saturday, September 28, at his home in Maui, Hawaii, surrounded by his loved ones.

Kristofferson’s family announced his passing on Instagram: “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. 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.”

The Rhodes scholar-turned-country superstar left an indelible mark on American culture. Starting in the late 1960s, Kristofferson penned classics like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “Help Me Make it Through the Night,” and the iconic “Me and Bobby McGee” reports the Associated Press.

As news spread, tributes poured in from across the country music industry. Singer John Rich shared fond memories of the icon on X: “So sad to hear Kris Kristofferson has passed. He and I became friends over the years, and it was a distinct honor every time I got to work or hang out with him. He was one of the greatest lyricists to ever live, and a true class act. He set the bar so very high. Miss ya brother.”

Grammy-winning country legend Lee Greenwood posted a vintage photo of himself and Kristofferson on X following the announcement. “Hard to believe my friend Kris Kristofferson has left us,” Greenwood wrote. “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.”

Greenwood later recalled Kristofferson’s impact on his own career, saying “I will never forget his support for me when I received my first CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Award – his friendship and encouragement helped validate my career in country music and my place in Nashville.”

He concluded the social media post with a poignant tribute: “My family and I send our deepest sympathy to Kris’ family. We lost a giant in our industry today!”

Multi-platinum country superstar Travis Tritt expressed his grief and a personal story of the two. “Sad to hear of Kris Kristofferson’s passing. He was an inspiration to me, and I was fortunate to get to know him on the set of “Outlaw Justice” that we filmed in Spain in 1998. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kris’s wife Lisa and all of his family, friends and fans.”

Kristofferson’s impact extended far beyond his entertainment careers. Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, highlighted the musician’s philosophical approach to his own artistry. “Kris Kristofferson believed creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness. He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul but to ours. He leaves a resounding legacy,” Young said.

Kristofferson’s journey to stardom was unconventional. After turning down a teaching position at West Point to pursue songwriting in Nashville, he worked as a janitor at Columbia Records’ Music Row studio. It was there that he crossed paths with Bob Dylan during the recording of “Blonde on Blonde” reports AP.

Not content with music success alone, Kristofferson embarked on an acting career, starring in critically acclaimed films such as Martin Scorsese’s “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” and alongside Barbra Streisand in “A Star Is Born.” His versatility allowed him to tackle roles ranging from Westerns to superhero films like “Blade”

Throughout his career, Kristofferson proved to be a multifaceted talent. Many of his songs became best known through performances by other artists, such as Ray Price crooning “For the Good Times” or Janis Joplin belting out “Me and Bobby McGee.”

In his later years, Kristofferson retired from performing and recording in 2021. However, he made a memorable appearance at Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023, performing alongside Roseanne Cash.

Newsweek contacted Kristofferson’s press contact via online form via Sunday for comment.