Kris Kristofferson, the legendary actor, songwriter, and country music icon, passed away peacefully at 88. The star was surrounded by family at his Maui home on Saturday, Sept. 28.
In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed gratitude for the time they had with him, saying, “Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson had a varied and impactful career. He grew up in a military family and attended Pomona College before earning a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford. After a stint in the U.S. Army, he found his way to Nashville, where his love for country music took hold. Songs like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” became chart-topping classics.
Kristofferson also found success in Hollywood with standout roles in films like A Star Is Born, which earned him a Golden Globe. He later joined forces with legends Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings in the country supergroup The Highwaymen.
Despite battling Lyme disease, Kristofferson continued to inspire through his music and acting, leaving behind a lasting legacy. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, eight children, and seven grandchildren.
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