Kris Kristofferson, the legendary singer-songwriter and actor, passed away at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday at the age of 88.
According to the New York Times, his death was confirmed by his family spokesperson, Ebie McFarland, though no specific cause was provided.
Born in 1936 in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson pursued a military career before turning his attention to music.
After serving as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot and being offered a teaching position at West Point, he chose to follow his passion for songwriting.
Moving to Nashville in the mid-1960s, Kristofferson worked odd jobs, including as a janitor at Columbia Studios, while writing songs that would later become iconic in country and pop music.
His breakthrough came in 1970 when Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” topped the country charts.
Kristofferson also penned timeless hits such as “Me and Bobby McGee,” famously recorded by Janis Joplin, and “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” which earned him his first Grammy.
In addition to his music career, Kristofferson found success in Hollywood.
He starred in films like “A Star Is Born” (1976), for which he won a Golden Globe, “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid” (1973), and the “Blade” trilogy.
Kristofferson’s personal life was as rich as his professional one. He married three times and had eight children, including a long-lasting marriage to his third wife, Lisa Meyers.
He retired from performing in 2021 after being diagnosed with a series of health issues, including Lyme disease.
