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Kris Kristofferson, the iconic country music figure and star of A Star Is Born, has passed away at the age of 88.
The celebrated singer-songwriter succumbed peacefully at his residence in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday, as reported by family spokesperson Ebie McFarland.
While the cause of death has not been disclosed, the artist had been experiencing memory loss since his 70s.
Originally from Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson initiated his musical journey in the mid-1960s.
Although he was a notable performer, many of his compositions gained greater fame through other artists, such as Ray Price’s chart-topping For the Good Times and Janis Joplin’s 1971 hit Me And Bobby McGee.
In the mid-1980s, he aligned with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings to form the celebrated country supergroup The Highwaymen, releasing three albums before each member returned to their independent careers.
Pic: AP
Nelson, his former bandmate, remarked that there was “no greater songwriter living” when reflecting on Kristofferson during a 2009 award event.
“Every song he writes stands as a classic, and we all must come to terms with that,” Nelson stated.
The artist received a Grammy Award for his renowned song Help Me Make It Through The Night and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson at a preview of A Star is Born in 1976. Pic: AP
The duo reunited at the Grammy Awards in 2011. Pic: AP
As an actor, he was honored with the 1976 Golden Globe Award for best actor for his role in the romantic drama A Star Is Born alongside Barbra Streisand.
This film was a remake of the 1937 original featuring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March and was subsequently adapted into a musical starring Judy Garland and James Mason—followed by another adaptation in 2018 featuring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
Members of The Highwaymen, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash in 1985. Pic: AP
Kristofferson also starred alongside Ellen Burstyn in Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and appeared with Wesley Snipes in Marvel’s Blade in 1998.
From caregiver to hitmaker
Before stepping into the spotlight, Kristofferson was a boxer with the US organization Golden Gloves and earned a master’s degree in English from the University of Oxford. He later declined a chance to teach at a US military academy in New York to follow his passion for songwriting in Nashville.
Seeking a breakthrough in the music industry, he took a part-time position as a caretaker at Columbia Records’ Music Row studio.
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Kristofferson performs at the Country Music Takes Manhattan festival in 1993. Pic: Joseph Marzullo/MediaPunch /IPX
In a 2006 conversation, Kristofferson revealed that his career might not have flourished if it weren’t for Cash, who facilitated his first appearance on stage.
Joplin, with whom he shared a profound connection, altered the lyrics to transform Bobby McGee into a male character and recorded her version just days before her untimely death in 1970 due to a drug overdose. This rendition subsequently became a posthumous chart-topping single for Joplin.
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In 1973, Kristofferson wedded fellow songwriter Rita Coolidge, with whom he enjoyed a fruitful duet career, winning two Grammy Awards. They ended their marriage in 1980.
The musician is survived by his spouse Lisa, along with his eight children and seven grandchildren, as reported by Sky News’ U.S. affiliate NBC.
Homage to a country music icon
Dolly Parton led fellow artists and fans in honoring Kristofferson.
She described his passing as a “significant loss,” stating: “I will always love you.”
Streisand expressed her condolences to Kristofferson in a social media tribute, stating: “The first time I witnessed Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A., I realized he was exceptional.
“Barefoot and playing his guitar, he appeared to be the ideal fit for a screenplay I was crafting, which eventually evolved into A Star Is Born.
“My thoughts go out to Kris’ wife, Lisa, who I know offered him unwavering support.”
Kyle Young, the Chief Executive for the Country Music Hall of Fame, remarked that Kristofferson left behind “a profound legacy.”
Tributes also came from Grammy-winning artists such as Travis Tritt, Larry Gatlin, and Wynonna Judd.
