Kris Kristofferson, the much-loved actor and country music singer-songwriter, passed away at his home in Maui on September 28.
Kris Kristofferson, the famous actor and country singer-songwriter, has passed away at the age of 88.
A representative said he was surrounded by his family and died “peacefully” at his home in Maui on Saturday, September 28.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, his family said, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our husband, father, and grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday. We feel so blessed to have had our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
Kris Kristofferson was born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas. His parents were Mary Ann and Lars Henry Kristofferson, who was a Swedish immigrant and an Air Force general. Kris developed a love for country music early on and wrote his first song, “I Hate Your Ugly Face,” when he was just 11 years old. As a military kid, he moved a lot before his family settled in San Mateo, California, during his teenage years.
According to his website, Kris had two short stories published in Atlantic Monthly when he was 18. In 1954, he went to Pomona College in California, where he played football, boxed in Golden Gloves competitions, and was the sports editor for the school newspaper. He was even featured in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” issue in 1958. After graduating with a degree in creative writing, he earned a Rhodes Scholarship and completed his master’s in English literature at Oxford University in 1960.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, after college, Kris Kristofferson’s parents encouraged him to join the military. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and, within five years, became a helicopter pilot and reached the rank of captain. While stationed in West Germany in the early 1960s, he continued writing songs and formed a band with other soldiers. After his service, he was offered a job teaching English at West Point military academy.
However, during a visit to Nashville, Tennessee, while on leave, he rediscovered his love for music. This led him to leave the Army in 1965 and pursue a career in music full-time. In a 2010 interview, Kris said, “I just fell in love with the music community there. The older musicians really supported the newcomers, and it was a very soulful time. It was the best decision I ever made.”
In Nashville, Kris Kristofferson worked as a night janitor at Columbia Studios while submitting songs he wrote, like “For the Good Times” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” “For the Good Times” was first recorded by Bill Nash in 1968, but it became a hit when Ray Price released his version in 1970. The song appeared on Kristofferson’s debut album and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song in 1972. It was even covered by soul legend Al Green.
Kristofferson’s song “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” also from his first album, was picked up by Ray Stevens and Johnny Cash. Cash’s version became a hit, winning Song of the Year at the 1970 CMA Awards and reaching No. 1 on the country charts.
Another famous Kristofferson song, “Me and Bobby McGee,” co-written with Fred Foster, was released on Janis Joplin’s posthumous 1971 album Pearl. The song became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the pop charts and earning two Grammy nominations in 1972. That same year, Kristofferson won his first Grammy for Best Country Song for Sammi Smith’s version of “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
Throughout the 1970s, Kristofferson released more albums and hits, including “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” and “Why Me,” which earned two Grammy nominations. He also worked with his second wife, singer Rita Coolidge, on several albums, winning two Grammys for their duets “From the Bottle to the Bottom” and “Lover Please.”
In a 1970 New York Times article, Kristofferson was described as “a poet more than a musician,” admired for his ability to connect country, pop, and underground music.
Kristofferson also became a successful actor, appearing in films like Cisco Pike (1972), Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid (1973), and Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974). Despite having no acting experience, he felt confident about acting and took on roles based on his understanding of the characters.
His big break came with his role as a troubled rock star in the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born, alongside Barbra Streisand. This role won him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in 1977. He later became known for playing Whistler in the Blade trilogy with Wesley Snipes.
Music was always a big part of Kris Kristofferson’s life. He teamed up with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson to form the country supergroup The Highwaymen. Their first album, Highwayman, and its title song topped the country charts in 1985. The group released two more albums: Highwayman 2 in 1990 and The Road Goes On Forever in 1995.
Throughout his long career, Kristofferson received many awards, including three Grammys and a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2014. He was also nominated for an Oscar in 1985 for Best Original Song for the movie Songwriter, in which he starred with Willie Nelson. In 2004, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In 2013, Kristofferson shared his struggle with memory loss. At first, doctors thought he had Alzheimer’s, but it turned out to be Lyme disease, according to CBS News. His wife, Lisa Kristofferson, explained that once he got the right treatment, his condition improved quickly.
“He was on all these medications for things he didn’t have, and they had side effects,” Lisa told Rolling Stone in 2016. “But after treatment, he came back. There are still tough days, but some days he seems perfectly normal, and it’s easy to forget he’s even dealing with anything.”
After releasing his final studio album, The Cedar Creek Sessions, in 2016, Kris Kristofferson officially announced his retirement from music in 2021. He also shared that Morris Higham Management would be handling his estate.
Clint Higham, president of the management company, praised Kristofferson, saying, “He is the artist that every artist wants to be. If there were a Mount Rushmore for songwriters, Kris would be on it.”
When asked about the secret to life in a 2017 interview with Men’s Journal, Kristofferson said, “I once made a list of rules. It said: Tell the truth, sing with passion, work with laughter, and love with heart. That’s a good place to start.”
Kris Kristofferson is survived by his wife, Lisa, along with his eight children and seven grandchildren.
He was first married to Frances Beer, and they had two children: daughter Tracy, born in 1962, and son Kris, born in 1968. With his second wife, Rita Coolidge, he had a daughter named Casey in 1974. Kris and Lisa have five children together: Jesse (born in 1983), Jody (1985), John (1988), Kelly Marie (1990), and Blake (1994).
I Always Felt Sick after Eating My MIL’s Dinner — My Life Changed Drastically When I Caught Her Red-Handed
Stella cherished her life with Zack and their children but repeated bouts of sickness after family dinners raised alarming suspicions. Determined to get to the bottom of it, Stella set a trap that led to a shocking discovery, leaving her questioning everything she knew about her family.
My name is Stella, and I’m a 32-year-old wife and mother. Life has been a whirlwind since I met Zack, my rock and my confidant. We’ve been married for seven years, and in that time, we’ve welcomed two beautiful kids into the world: Dylan, who’s six, and Faith, who’s five.
A couple standing in the kitchen with their kids | Source: Pexels
Our family isn’t perfect, but we’ve always found our way through the ups and downs together.
Zack and I met at a mutual friend’s wedding. He was charming, funny, and had this infectious smile that could light up any room. We clicked instantly. Fast forward a few years, and there we were, exchanging vows and building our life together.
Zack’s unwavering support and love were constants in my life, or so I thought. What I didn’t realize was that his mother, Cynthia, was quietly and determinedly working against me.
An elderly woman with a hand on her chin | Source: Pexels
Cynthia never approved of me from day one. She never outright said it, but her actions spoke volumes. She had this uncanny ability to be the sweetest person in Zack’s presence, but the moment he turned his back, she’d unleash her disdain.
“Stella, dear, you really should learn how to cook better,” she’d say with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes whenever Zack left the room. “Zack deserves so much more than what you’re offering.”
I’d tell Zack about these comments, but he’d always brush them off. “Mom’s just old-fashioned,” he’d say, laughing it off. “She doesn’t mean any harm.”
A husband laughs while talking to his wife | Source: Pexels
Cynthia loved Dylan and Faith, or at least, she acted like she did. She’d bring them gifts, bake cookies with them, and shower them with affection. It was as if she was trying to prove to Zack what a wonderful grandmother she was, all while subtly undermining me.
But this is where things become interesting and a bit dark. I always thought Cynthia’s dislike and disapproval of me were restricted to mere comments, but that was until we started receiving dinner invites from her and whatnot.
Every month, like clockwork, we’d attend family functions at her house. And every month, like clockwork, I’d end up feeling sick afterward. It started with a stomach ache, then nausea, and by the time we got home, I’d be racing to the bathroom, struck down by a severe case of diarrhea.
A woman suffering from stomachache lying in her bed | Source: Pexels
“Zack, I swear it’s something your mom’s putting in my food,” I told him one night after another miserable evening at Cynthia’s. I was curled up on the couch, clutching my stomach while Zack looked at me with concern and disbelief.
“Stella, come on,” he said, rubbing my back. “You know Mom wouldn’t do something like that. She loves us. She loves the kids.”
“Maybe she loves you and the kids, but she sure as hell doesn’t love me,” I muttered, the frustration boiling over. “She never gets sick. You never get sick. It’s always me. Every single time.”
A concerned woman talking to her husband | Source: Pexels
Zack sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what to say, Stella. Maybe it’s just stress? You’ve been under a lot lately with the kids and work.”
I shook my head, tears welling up. “No, Zack. You don’t understand. It’s not stress.”
I knew Zack wouldn’t believe me until I had substantial proof. But how could I prove it? I couldn’t exactly go around accusing Cynthia of poisoning me without any evidence. The next family gathering loomed on the horizon, and the mere thought of another bout of illness filled me with dread.
A thoughtful woman sitting alone on the couch | Source: Midjourney
I needed a plan, something to catch her red-handed. I started to think about ways to monitor what Cynthia was doing to my food discreetly. Maybe I could switch our plates when she wasn’t looking? Or bring my own food and pretend to eat hers? The gears in my mind turned as I considered each possibility.
The night before our next visit, I lay in bed, my mind racing. Zack was already asleep, his breathing deep and even beside me. I stared at the ceiling, my heart pounding with anxiety and determination.
A woman lying awake in bed at night | Source: Midjourney
The day of Cynthia’s birthday dinner arrived, and I was determined to confirm my suspicions. I dressed up, plastering a smile on my face, and braced myself for the evening ahead. Zack, as usual, was excited to see his mom and spend time with his family.
We arrived at Cynthia’s house, and she greeted us with her typical warmth.
“Stella, darling, so good to see you!” she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug that felt like being squeezed by a boa constrictor. “And Zack, my handsome son! Happy to have you home.”
A woman standing and waiting near a dining table to welcome guests | Source: Pexels
I forced a smile. “Happy birthday, Cynthia. The house looks lovely.”
“Thank you, dear,” she said, her eyes glinting with something I couldn’t quite place. “Come, everyone’s waiting in the dining room.”
When dinner was served, I waited for the right moment. While Cynthia was busy fussing over Dylan and Faith, I subtly swapped my plate and drink with Zack’s. My heart pounded as I tried to act naturally, engaging in small talk and pretending to enjoy the meal. Zack seemed oblivious, enjoying the food and chatting with his mom.
A man chatting with an older woman at the dinner table | Source: Pexels
As the night wore on, I couldn’t help but watch Cynthia closely. She was in her element, charming everyone with her stories and laughter. But I knew better. When it was finally time to leave, I felt a wave of relief and anxiety. I knew the real test would come once we got home.
“Thanks for the lovely evening, Cynthia,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Oh, anytime, Stella. You know you’re always welcome here,” she replied, her smile as fake as ever.
Two women hugging at a family dinner | Source: Pexels
Back home, Zack started feeling unwell almost immediately. “I don’t know what’s wrong,” he groaned, clutching his stomach. “I think I’m coming down with something.”
I bit my lip, pretending to be concerned. “Oh no, Zack. Do you need anything? Should I get you some medicine?”
“Nah, I just need to lie down,” he said, heading to the bedroom.
The next morning, Zack was still sick. He was pale, exhausted, and frustrated. “I don’t get it. Why am I the only one who got sick? You ate the same food as me,” he said, looking at me suspiciously.
A man feeling unwell and looking pale and exhausted | Source: Midjourney
“Well, actually,” I began, taking a deep breath, “I switched our plates last night. I wanted to see if it was just me or if something else was going on.”
Zack’s face turned red with anger. “You did what!? Are you saying you poisoned me?”
“No, Zack! I didn’t poison you! I just needed to know if your mom was messing with my food,” I said, my voice shaking.
A senior woman in the kitchen | Source: Pexels
He stared at me with such hatred that it took my breath away. It was as if he had known all along what his mom was up to. “You’ve gone too far, Stella. This is insane.”
“I had to do it, Zack. She’s been making me sick for months, and you never believed me. Now you know the truth,” I said, trying to stay calm.
“I can’t believe you’d do something like this!” he snapped. “You’re not the woman I married!”
A couple arguing | Source: Pexels
“And your mom’s not the loving mother you think she is!” I retorted, tears streaming down my face. “I need to protect myself and our kids from her.”
“I can’t deal with this right now,” he said, turning away from me. “Just go.”
That was the final straw. I quickly packed a couple of bags, my hands trembling as I gathered our things. Dylan and Faith were still asleep, oblivious to the turmoil. I gently woke them while trying to stay composed.
“Mommy, where are we going?” Dylan asked, rubbing his eyes.
A woman looking at her young son drinking juice in bed | Source: Pexels
“We’re going to stay with Grandma and Grandpa for a little while,” I said, forcing a smile. “It’ll be like a little vacation.”
Zack didn’t say a word as I loaded our things into the car. He just stood there, his expression a combination of anger and disbelief. I couldn’t bear to look at him as I buckled the kids into their seats.
I drove away feeling a strange sense of relief and sorrow. I had done what I needed to do, but it still hurt. The kids were quiet in the backseat, sensing the tension.
A woman driving a car | Source: Midjourney
At my parents’ house, they welcomed us with open arms. “Oh, Stella, what’s happened?” my mom asked, her face full of concern.
“It’s a long story, Mom,” I said, hugging her tightly. “But I’m done. I’ve had enough.”
Over the next few days, I started the process of hiring a divorce lawyer. It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was the right thing to do. Zack tried to call a few times, but I didn’t answer. I needed space to think and to heal.
A sad man looking at the mobile phone in his hands | Source: Midjourney
One evening, as I was tucking Dylan and Faith into bed, Dylan looked up at me with his big, innocent eyes. “Mommy, are we going to see Daddy soon?”
I swallowed hard, trying to find the right words. “I don’t know, sweetheart. But no matter what happens, I promise you and Faith that I’ll always be here for you.”
At that moment, I felt a surge of strength. I had done the right thing by protecting myself and my kids. And as painful as it was, I knew I was moving towards a better future.
A mother with her young son and daughter | Source: Pexels
So, what would you have done in my situation? Do you think I overreacted? Or was leaving Zack the right decision? I’m still processing everything, but deep down, I know I did what was best for me and my children.
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