Kris Kristofferson dead as tributes flood in for country music star and actor

Kris Kristofferson lived an amazingly full life having tall tales told about him by Johnny Cash and being described as the best songwriter alive by Willie Nelson.

Country music star and Hollywood actor Kris Kristofferson has died.

The 88-year-old died at his home on Maui, Hawaii on September 28 and reportedly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. No cause was given and the sad news comes three years after he retired from the entertainment business.

His heartbroken family shared the news on Instagram, writing: "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. 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." The statement was signed from the "Family of Kris Kristofferson”, and it added: "The family asks for privacy during this time."

Kris is survived by his wife Lisa, eight children and seven grandchildren. Barbra Streisand, who starred alongside him in the 1976 version of 'A Star Is Born', also paid tribute to the actor.

In a post on Instagram, she wrote: "The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A. I knew he was something special. Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became 'A Star Is Born'. In the movie, Kris and I sang the song I’d written for the film’s main love theme, 'Evergreen'.

"For my latest concert in 2019 at London’s Hyde Park, I asked Kris to join me on-stage to sing our other 'A Star Is Born duet', 'Lost Inside Of You'. He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause. It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved. My thoughts go to Kris’ wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible."

He was also remembered by fellow country star Dolly Parton, who performed several duets with Kristofferson over the years. In a post on social media, Dolly wrote: "What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly."

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Hits that Kristofferson recorded include Why Me, Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do), Watch Closely Now, Desperados Waiting for a Train, A Song I'd Like to Sing" and Jesus Was a Capricon.

In 1973, he married fellow songwriter Rita Coolidge and together they had a successful duet career that earned them two Grammy awards. They divorced in 1980.

In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The chief executive for the Country Music Hall of Fame, Kyle Young, said: "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."

He retired from performing and recording in 2021, making only occasional guest appearances on stage, including a performance with Roseanne Cash at Nelson's 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in 2023.

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