His family announced his death on Sunday night, September 29, stating that he “passed away peacefully” at home on Saturday, September 28.
In their statement, signed by his wife Lisa, along with his eight children and seven grandchildren, they expressed gratitude for the time spent with him: “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.”
Kristofferson enjoyed significant success on the US country charts, and his songs have been covered by notable artists such as Janis Joplin, Gladys Knight, and Johnny Cash.
In the mid-1970s, he collaborated with esteemed film directors like Martin Scorsese and Sam Peckinpah, and he won a Golden Globe for his role alongside Barbra Streisand in the 1976 remake of A Star is Born.
Streisand paid tribute to him on Instagram, describing him as a “special” and “charming” performer. “It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved,” she shared.
Dolly Parton, who recorded duets with Kristofferson, including From Here to the Moon and Back, expressed her sorrow, stating, “What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly.”
Country singer Reba McEntire also remembered him fondly, saying, “What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favorite people.”
