Kris Kristofferson, the beloved actor and country music singer-songwriter, passed away peacefully at his Maui home on September 28, surrounded by family. He was 88.
Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kris developed a passion for country music at an early age. His parents, Mary Ann and Lars Henry Kristofferson, encouraged his creative pursuits. Kris wrote his first song, “I Hate Your Ugly Face,” at just 11 years old.
After attending Pomona College and Oxford University, Kris served in the U.S. Army, becoming a helicopter pilot and captain. Stationed in West Germany, he continued writing songs and formed a band with fellow soldiers.
In the 1960s, Kris rediscovered his love for music in Nashville, Tennessee. He left the Army to pursue a music career, working as a night janitor at Columbia Studios while submitting songs like “For the Good Times” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.”
These songs became hits for Ray Price and Johnny Cash, earning Kris Grammy nominations. His iconic song “Me and Bobby McGee,” co-written with Fred Foster, topped the charts for Janis Joplin.
Throughout the 1970s, Kris released critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with his second wife, Rita Coolidge. He also launched a successful acting career, starring in films like “Cisco Pike,” “Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid,” and “A Star Is Born,” for which he won a Golden Globe.
As a member of the country supergroup The Highwaymen, alongside Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson, Kris topped the charts with the album “Highwayman.”
Kris received numerous awards, including three Grammys and a lifetime achievement award. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
After announcing his retirement from music in 2021, Kris leaves behind a legacy of timeless songs and unforgettable performances.
His family, including wife Lisa and their eight children and seven grandchildren, remember him as a truth-teller, passionate singer, and loving heart.
As Kris once said, “Tell the truth, sing with passion, work with laughter, and love with heart. That’s a good place to start.” His remarkable life serves as a testament to these values.
