Kris Kristofferson, country music legend and ‘A Star Is Born’ actor, dies at 88 at his Maui home

HAWAII, MAUI: Kris Kristofferson, beloved actor and country singer-songwriter, died at the age of 88 on September 28, Saturday, in Maui.

Kristofferson's life was a remarkable journey marked by talent, resilience, and an unwavering passion for music and storytelling.

As a gifted songwriter and actor, he crafted a rich tapestry of country music filled with heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melodies.

After the news of his death broke out, fans took to social media to reminisce about his iconic songs and films, paying their tribute and celebrating the lasting impact of his legacy.

Kris Kristofferson's early life and foray into music

Kris Kristofferson’s family shared a message after the actor’s death, as per People.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that 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.”

Kris Kristofferson was born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, to Mary Ann (nee Ashbrook) and Lars Henry Kristofferson, a first-generation Swedish immigrant and US Army Air Corps officer who later became an Air Force general.

His passion for country music started early. In a 2013 NPR interview, he revealed that he wrote his first song, 'I Hate Your Ugly Face', when he was just 11 years old. Growing up as a military brat, he moved frequently until his family settled in San Mateo, California, during his teenage years. 

According to his official website, Kristofferson had two short stories, 'Gone Are the Days' and 'The Rock', published in Atlantic Monthly at the age of 18. He attended Pomona College in California in 1954, where he excelled in football, became a Golden Gloves boxer, and served as the sports editor for the college newspaper. 

His accomplishments earned him a spot on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd issue during his senior year in 1958. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in creative writing from Pomona, Kristofferson received a Rhodes Scholarship and completed his master's in English Literature at Merton College, Oxford, in 1960. 

As reported by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, his parents encouraged him to enlist in the military after college. He joined the US Army, quickly becoming a helicopter pilot and achieving the rank of captain within five years. While stationed in West Germany in the early '60s, he continued to pursue songwriting and formed a band with fellow soldiers. 

After his tour in Germany, Kristofferson was offered a position teaching English at West Point Military Academy. However, while on leave, he visited Nashville, Tennessee, which reignited his passion for music and prompted him to resign from the Army in 1965. 

"I just fell in love with the music community that was going on there," he recalled in a 2010 interview with Clash.

"The way the old heroes helped out the new guys. It was a very soulful business at the time; I don't know if it's anything like that now. But it was definitely the best move I've ever made."

Kris Kristofferson retires from music in 2021

In Nashville, Kris Kristofferson submitted songs he wrote while working as a night janitor at Columbia Studios.

Among these were 'For the Good Times' and 'Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down'. 'For the Good Times' was first recorded by Bill Nash in 1968, but it gained popularity after Ray Price released his version in June 1970, shortly after it appeared on Kristofferson's debut album. This song earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song in 1972 and was later covered by Al Green.

'Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down', also written by Kristofferson, caught the attention of Ray Stevens and Johnny Cash.

Cash's version won Song of the Year at the CMA Awards in 1970 and reached No 1 on Billboard’s country chart. Another notable song, 'Me and Bobby McGee', co-written with Fred Foster, was released on Janis Joplin's posthumous album, 'Pearl', in 1971. This hit reached No 1 on the pop charts and earned two Grammy nominations in 1972.

Throughout the 1970s, Kristofferson continued to release albums and singles, including 'Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)' and the Grammy-nominated 'Why Me'.

He also ventured into acting, appearing in films like 'Cisco Pike' (1972), 'Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid' (1973), and 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' (1974).

His big break came with his role as rock star John Norman Howard in the 1976 remake of 'A Star Is Born', alongside Barbra Streisand. This performance earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in 1977. He was also known for his role as Whistler in the 'Blade' trilogy.

After releasing his final studio album 'The Cedar Creek Sessions' in 2016, Kristofferson announced his retirement from music in 2021.

He is survived by his wife Lisa, eight children, and seven grandchildren. Previously, he was married to Frances Beer, with whom he had two children, and to Rita Coolidge, with whom he had one daughter. With Lisa, he had five more children.

Fans pay tribute to Kris Kristofferson

In the wake of Kris Kristofferson's death, many social media users shared their thoughts.

One user wrote, "They buried me in that great tomb that knows no sound But I am still around I'll always be around and around and around and around and around and around."

The second user claimed, "Rest In Peace Kris Kristofferson. He was an amazing actor, singer and all around a kind man."

The third user shared, "I was so in love with him through the years. I loved his music & his acting. I'm sure he will be missed." 

One individual added, "Deepest condolences !! He was amazingly talented and sang from His Heart !!"

Another wrote, "I met him when I was about 14 years old. His daughter and Willie Nelson’s daughter were high as a kite stuck in a tree at Zilker Park in Austin. My boss called their parents and he came to get both the girls."

A fan stated, "88 is solid. I’m 35 and only pray that I can live a life that long. Rip brotha. You had a solid ride!"

Another added, "I loved his songs when I was a Teenager. Im glad he had a nice long life and got to end it in Maui."

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