Kris Kristofferson, the legendary country singer and actor, has passed away at the age of 88. His family confirmed that he died peacefully at home on Saturday, surrounded by loved ones. Known for his gritty, emotionally charged songwriting, Kristofferson rose to fame with hits like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” songs that were famously covered by artists such as Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash.

Kristofferson’s career spanned music and film, winning a Golden Globe for his performance in the 1976 remake of A Star is Born alongside Barbra Streisand. He worked with directors like Martin Scorsese and Sam Peckinpah, starring in iconic films such as Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid and Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Tributes poured in from the entertainment world, with Streisand, Dolly Parton, and Reba McEntire expressing their admiration for his talent and character.

Born in Texas in 1936, Kristofferson initially pursued a career as a novelist before turning to music, and he famously handed Johnny Cash a demo by landing a helicopter in Cash’s yard. His career took off from there, leading to 18 studio albums and collaborations with country superstars Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Cash as part of the supergroup, The Highwaymen.

Kristofferson was also a political activist, vocal against U.S. foreign policy in Central America during the 1980s. His acting career saw a resurgence in the 1990s with roles in films like Lone Star and the Blade trilogy. Kristofferson retired from acting and music in 2021. He is survived by his third wife, Lisa Meyers, eight children, and seven grandchildren, leaving behind a rich legacy in both music and film.

Music by Yevhen Onoychenko from Pixabay