Kris Kristofferson
American singer, songwriter and actor, Kris Kristofferson has been confirmed dead at the age of 88.
Kristofferson’s family announced his demise on Sunday night, September 29, saying he “passed away peacefully” at home on Saturday, September 28.
“We’re all so blessed for our time with him,” read the statement, which was signed by his wife Lisa, his eight children and seven grandchildren.
“Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
Kristofferson frequently topped the US country charts and cover versions of his songs were hits for artists including Janis Joplin, Gladys Knight and Johnny Cash.
In the mid-70s, he worked with film directors including Martin Scorsese and Sam Peckinpah, and won a Golden Globe for his work opposite Barbra Streisand in the 1976 remake of A Star is Born.
Streisand paid tribute to her co-star on Instagram, writing that he was a “special” and “charming” performer.
“It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved,” she wrote.
Dolly Parton, who performed duets with Kristofferson such as From Here to the Moon and Back, wrote: “What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly.”
Country singer Reba McEntire wrote: “What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favourite people.”
