Kris Kristofferson, an award-winning country music singer and actor who worked with Johnny Cash and Martin Scorsese, has died at the age of 88.
A representative said he passed away “peacefully” at his home in Hawaii on Saturday, surrounded by his family.
The statement described Kristofferson as “a pacifist, a revolutionary, an actor, a superstar, a sex symbol and a family man.”
The multiple award winner is known for his songwriting skills, especially the songs Me and Bobby McGee, Help Me Make It Through the Night, among many others. He also acted in the hit movie A Star Is Born.
A text message from his family said they were all “very lucky” to have had the time they had with him.
CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, quoted the message: “Thank you for loving him for so many years and when you see the rainbow, know that he is smiling down on all of us.” .
Born in Brownsville, Texas, on June 22, 1936, Kristofferson became a leading figure in country music.
“When I started, I was one of those people hoping to bring respect to country music,” he said, according to a family message.
“Some of my songs that became hits did that. I imagine that’s why someone might vote me into the Hall of Fame. I know it’s not because of my golden throat.”
The head of the National Museum and Hall of Fame said he left behind “a resounding legacy.”
“Kris Kristofferson believed that creativity was God-given and that those who ignored such a gift were doomed to misfortune,” Kyle Young wrote on X. “He preached that the life of the mind brings speaks for the soul, and his work gives no voice.” only with his soul but also with our souls.
He won three Grammy Awards for best country song, Help Me Make It Through the Night in 1972, and two separate duets with Rita Coolidge (1974, 1976), whom he also married in 1972. the 1970s.
In 2003, Kristofferson received the Freedom of Expression Award from the Americana Music Association.
A year later, he became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
He also received many lifetime achievement honors, including from the Recording Academy, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
Kristofferson leaves behind his wife Lisa, eight children and seven grandchildren.
