Kris Kristofferson, an accomplished singer and songwriter who starred in A Star Is Born, has died at the age of 88.
The multitalented entertainer, who was a country singer-songwriter and actor, died Saturday at his Maui, Hawaii home, his rep told People.
The Why Me artist ‘peacefully’ passed away surrounded by relatives, his rep told the outlet.
‘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,’ his family said in a statement, the outlet reported. ‘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.’
Kris Kristofferson, an accomplished singer and songwriter who starred in A Star Is Born, has died at the age of 88
The Why Me artist was pictured in concert in London in July of 2019
Among his numerous acting achievements, Kristofferson played the role of troubled rocker John Norman Howard in the 1976 A Star Is Born remake opposite Barbra Streisand. He won the Golden Globe in 1977 for his work in the film.
Kristofferson’s other major acting endeavors include a turn as the character Whistler in the Wesley Snipes action films Blade (1998), Blade II (2002) and Blade: Trilogy (2004).
Kristofferson was a Rhodes scholar with a deft writing style and rough charisma who became a country music superstar and A-list Hollywood actor, has died.
Starting in the late 1960s, the Brownsville, Texas native wrote such classics standards as Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down, Help Me Make it Through the Night, For the Good Times and Me and Bobby McGee.
Kristofferson was a singer himself, but many of his songs were best known as performed by others, whether Ray Price crooning For the Good Times or Janis Joplin belting out Me and Bobby McGee.
As news spread of his passing, a number of people paid memorial to Kristofferson online.
Among his numerous acting achievements, Kristofferson played the role of troubled rocker John Norman Howard in the 1976 A Star Is Born remake opposite Barbra Streisand. He won the Golden Globe in 1977 for his work in the film
Kristofferson pictured with Taylor Swift in May of 2012 in Las Vegas at the MGM Arena
As news spread of his passing, a number of people paid memorial to Kristofferson online
SiriusXM host Eric Alper said, ‘If you ever hummed Me and Bobby McGee or found solace in Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down, then you’ve felt the genius of Kris Kristofferson. A legend in both country music & Hollywood. Rest easy, Kris, your songs and roles live forever in our hearts.’
Entertainment journalist Pam Windsor wrote: ‘So sad to learn about the passing of #KrisKristofferson. He died at home in Hawaii yesterday. He was 88. He was an incredible singer, songwriter, and actor. Also, a Rhodes Scholar, football player, boxer, firefighter, and Army Ranger helicopter pilot. What a life, what a legacy.’
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young said in a statement, ‘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.’
Kristofferson is survived by his spouse Lisa, eight children and seven grandchildren.
