Kris Kristofferson chose first three lines from a Leonard Cohen song for his tombstone years before death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kris Kristofferson chose his epitaph long before his death on September 28.
Before the country singer breathed his last aged 88 at his home in Maui on Saturday, he allegedly chose his epitaph - the first three lines from Leonard Cohen’s hit song ‘Bird on the Wire’.
As the musician and lyricist will be laid to rest, sources close to Kristofferson revealed to RadarOnline that long before his death, he decided the words for his tombstone, and his family will be honoring his will.
Kris Kristofferson chose his epitaph
Kris Kristofferson - who is famous for penning lyrics for the songs like ‘Me and Bobby McGee’, ‘For the Good Times’, ‘Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down’, and ‘Help Me Make It Through the Night’ - resorted to his friend’s song for his own tombstone.
The lyrics allegedly chosen by Kristofferson for his epitaph appear in the beginning of the song and they are - "Like a bird on the wire / Like a drunk in a midnight choir / I have tried in my way to be free."
The source explained, "Kris thought these words were some of the most poetic he had ever heard and told everyone close to him they were to be carved on his tombstone."
"He also told plenty of famous friends about the epitaph he wanted – including Leonard Cohen himself,” continued the source.
They added, "His family know this is one wish that has to be honored, and it will have been in his will."
Kris Kristofferson alleged Leonard Cohen stole parts of ‘Bird on the Wire’
The song ‘Bird on the Wire’ also happens to be the song over which the ‘Convoy’ star bonded with Leonard Cohen.
Cohen, who passed away in November 2016 aged 82, once shared in an interview per RadarOnline that Kristofferson accused him of "stealing part of the melody" of the song from a fellow singer.
The ‘Anthem’ singer said, "Kris Kristofferson informed me that I had stolen part of the melody from another Nashville writer.”
"He also said that he's putting the first couple of lines on his tombstone – and I'll be hurt if he doesn't,” shared the famed musician.
'A Star is Born' actor’s death was confirmed by his family in a statement on Sunday.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 28 at home,” noted the statement.
It continued, "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."
