From Barbra Streisand to Dolly Parton, stars remember singer, songwriter and actress Kris Kristofferson – WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio

Fans and celebrities alike are mourning the loss of singer, songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson.

Kristofferson died at his home on Saturday at the age of 88. A cause of death was not given, Variety reported.

Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said on social media: “Kris Kristofferson believed creativity was God-given and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to misfortune. He preached that a life of the Spirit gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul but to our souls as well. He leaves behind an impressive legacy.” Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Travis Tritt appeared alongside Kristofferson in the 1999 film “Outlaw Justice,” Us Weekly reported. Tritt wrote: “Sad to hear of the passing of Kris Kristofferson. He was an inspiration to me and I was lucky enough to meet him on the set of Outlaw Justice, which we filmed in Spain in 1998. My deepest condolences go out to Kris’ wife Lisa and his entire family, friends and fans.”

LeAnn Rimes called Kristofferson “an epic human being with the biggest heart.”

Reba McEntire also wrote that Kristofferson was “a gentleman, a kind soul and a lover of words.”

Recalling her meeting with Kristofferson, co-star and entertainment icon Barbra Streisand wrote on Instagram: “When I first saw Kris perform at the Troubadour Club in LA, I knew he was special. Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing that eventually came to fruition A star is born. In the film, Kris and I sang the song I wrote for the film’s main theme: “Evergreen.” The two performed another song from the film together – “Lost Inside of You” – during Streisand’s 2019 concert in Hyde Park.

Dolly Parton, who wrote several songs with Kristofferson, wrote on Instagram: “What a great loss, what a great writer, what a great actor, what a great friend. “I will always love you, Dolly.”

Kristofferson wrote “For the Good Times,” which Dolly Parton performed as a heartbreaking song, Independent said.

Kristofferson also wrote Janis Joplin’s hit “Me and Bobby McGee”; “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” sung by Johnny Cash, Elvis, Willie Nelson, Gladys Knight, Tammy Wynette and Joan Baez; “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” sung by Johnny Cash, and “Once More with Feeling,” sung by Jerry Lee Lewis, according to the Independent.

Before becoming a versatile entertainer, Kristofferson was a Rhodes Scholar and studied literature at Oxford University. He was also a captain in the U.S. Army and a helicopter pilot, the Country Music Hall of Fame said.

Two weeks before he was scheduled to begin teaching English literature at West Point, he resigned his commission and went to Nashville to become a professional songwriter.

Kristofferson was also a boxer, rugby star and football player while in college, The Associated Press reported.

He also appeared in several films on both the small and big screen, including Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, A Star is Born and Blade. IMDB profile.

Kristofferson retired from performing and recording in 2021. He suffered from memory loss, People magazine reported. He has made a few appearances on stage, such as at Nelson’s 90th birthday party at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023, the AP reported.

Kristofferson is survived by his wife, eight children and seven grandchildren, Variety reported.

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