Award-winning songwriter, musician, and actor Kris Kristofferson has died. He was 88. The news was confirmed by a statement released by his family via a press release on the evening of Sept. 29.
“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,” the statement reads. “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.”
Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson was one of the pivoital figures in the outlaw country movement that blossomed in the 1970s. The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and member of supergroop The Highwaymen was known for penning an expansive list of now-classic songs, including “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
“The Country Music world has lost one of its most profound storytellers,” Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO, shares in a statement. “I was fortunate to get to work with Kris on many projects over the years. His charm was exactly what you’d expect—unassuming and slightly mysterious yet deeply warm. As a prolific writer, actor and performer, his gifts were unlike anyone else. We regret that we will no longer be beneficiaries of his incredible words and talents. Our hearts go out to Kris’s friends and family during this sad time.”
Kristofferson’s survived by his wife, Lisa; eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake; and seven grandchildren. The family asks for privacy during this time. Memorial services are currently pending.
Editor’s Note: This article will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.
