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 is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
You may also like
Country Next
Playlist
On Repeat
Get the latest country music news delivered straight to your inbox.
