Kris Kristofferson Remembered: Country Music Community Mourns The Loss Of A ‘Hero’ and ‘Role Model’
Following the passing of Kris Kristofferson, the country music community came together to honor the legendary artist with heartfelt tributes.
Kris Kristofferson with Miranda Lambert, Eric Church; Photos Courtesy ML, EC
Country Music Hall of Famer Kris Kristofferson peacefully passed away at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday, September 28, surrounded by family. The 88-year-old was known as a renowned artist, singer, songwriter, actor and activist, and the news of his passing shook fans as well as members of the music community.
His family shared the following statement on Sunday, just one day after his death: “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. 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.”
Kris Kristofferson was born Kristoffer Kristofferson on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas. He revolutionized country music with his unique blend of intricate rhymes and socially conscious themes. A Rhodes Scholar who once served as an Army Ranger, he turned down a teaching position at West Point to pursue songwriting in Nashville, where he faced years of struggle before achieving success. His breakthrough came with songs like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” famously performed by Johnny Cash, and “Me and Bobby McGee,” which became a signature hit for Janis Joplin.
Throughout his career, Kristofferson became a multifaceted icon, earning acclaim as both a musician and an actor, winning a Golden Globe for his role in A Star Is Born. He formed the legendary supergroup The Highwaymen with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson, cementing his place in music history. Despite battling personal demons, including depression and substance abuse, he found stability with his wife, Lisa Meyers, and continued to produce powerful music well into his later years. Kristofferson’s legacy includes numerous accolades, including his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and lifetime achievement honors from BMI, The Recording Academy, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, among many others.
As the news of his passing circulated, numerous country artists shared touching memories and warm tributes to the music legend, whose influence on country music and beyond will always be felt.
Alongside a throwback photo with Kristofferson, Miranda Lambert shared, “Thank you for everything. Forever a hero. Your songs will live forever. So thankful I got to share the stage with you. Rest easy.”
George Strait praised Kristofferson’s unmatched talent, writing, “So sad to hear of the passing of @Kkristofferrson. Artists and songwriters of this caliber come along very rarely and he certainly made his mark on the world. My family, like most people, were huge fans and we will all miss him. I knew him on a professional level only but I always felt like it was more because of the kindness and respect he showed me on the times we met. I’ll treasure those times forever.
He lived one heck of a life and I’m hoping it has only just begun for him. God bless Kris and all of the Kristofferson family.”
Others, like Tim McGraw, kept their tributes short a sweet. McGraw simply shared, “Another legend lost…. Honored to have witnessed the great @kristofferson.”
Eric Church’s heartfelt message found the superstar reflecting on their friendship and includes a few photos, plus a video of them singing “Sunday Morning Coming Down” together while backstage at an unknown venue.
Alongside the photos and videos, Church wrote, “Kris, The ultimate life well lived. Thank you for being a beacon of light in a darkening world. You were my hero and my role model. And even then, you managed to exceed my expectations when you became my friend. So long Captain. Till we meet again. PS I found this on my phone.”
Dolly Parton was another artist who took the time to pay tribute to Kristofferson. She shared, “What a great loss, What a great writer, What a great actor, What a great friend, I will always love you, Dolly.”
Ashley McBryde also shared a touching tribute to the late musical icon. She wrote, “Thank you for teaching us to write. And for teaching me how to beat the devil. Rest now Mr. Kristofferson.”
The tributes for Kris Kristofferson continued to pour in early Monday morning.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa; eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake; and seven grandchildren.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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