Country Music Legend and Beloved Actor Kris Kristofferson Dies at 88

Kris Kristofferson, a towering figure in both country music and film, has passed away at the age of 88. The celebrated artist died peacefully at his home in Maui on September 28, surrounded by loved ones, according to a family representative and PEOPLE magazine.

In a heartfelt statement, his family shared, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather, Kris Kristofferson. He left us peacefully on Saturday, September 28, at home. We feel incredibly grateful for the time we had with him. Thank you for loving him through the years. Whenever you see a rainbow, we hope you’ll feel his spirit smiling down.”

Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson led a life as dynamic and inspiring as his music. Raised in a military household—his father was a major general in the U.S. Air Force—he developed a strong sense of discipline early on. An exceptional student, he earned a Rhodes Scholarship and studied at Oxford University, where he discovered a deep appreciation for poetry and songwriting, drawing inspiration from William Blake and Hank Williams alike.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Kristofferson joined the U.S. Army and became a helicopter pilot. But his true calling pulled him elsewhere. He eventually left military service to chase his dream of becoming a songwriter, landing in Nashville during the 1960s.

Kristofferson’s early years in Nashville were marked by struggle. He worked various odd jobs, including as a janitor at Columbia Records, all while trying to get his songs heard. His persistence paid off in 1970, when major hits like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and “For the Good Times” exploded onto the music scene, performed by legends such as Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, and Ray Price.

His success as a songwriter soon evolved into a career as a performer. His debut album, Kristofferson (1970), earned praise and positioned him as a central figure in the outlaw country movement alongside Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. Together, the four formed the iconic group The Highwaymen, which became a cornerstone of American country music history.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Kristofferson had a prolific film career. He starred in critically acclaimed movies like Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Convoy (1978), and A Star Is Born (1976), the latter of which earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor.

Kristofferson stepped away from public life in 2021, leaving behind an enduring legacy that spans music, film, and American cultural history.