Country Artists React To News Of Kris Kristofferson’s Death
(Left) Jennifer Nettles / Instagram / (Top Right) Ashley McBryde / Instagram / (Bottom Right) Larry Gatlin / Instagram
Kris Kristofferson’s Friends & Fellow Country Stars React To His Death At The Age Of 88
The country music world didn’t know how to react after learning about Kris Kristofferson’s death on September 28 at the age of 88. As the legendary singer and songwriter behind tracks such as “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” Kristofferson had a profound impact on not just country music but the music industry as a whole.
Kristofferson’s family shared the news of his death in a statement published on social media. It read:
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home. We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
Kristofferson’s survivors include his wife of 41 years, Lisa Meyers, and his eight children.
On top of his success as a solo singer and songwriter, Kristofferson was also a member of the country music supergroup The Highwaymen. Additionally, he was an actor known for his roles in films such as Convoy and A Star Is Born.
His co-star in the latter film, Barbra Streisand, shared a touching tribute to Kristofferson after his death. She recalled some of her fondest memories with him and ended her post by writing, “My thoughts go to Kris’ wife, Lisa, who I know supported him in every way possible.”
The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A. I knew he was something special. Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became A Star Is Born.
In the movie, Kris and I sang the… pic.twitter.com/WDdU2zoUwD
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) September 30, 2024
RELATED: KRIS KRISTOFFERSON AND BARBRA STREISAND RECREATE ‘A STAR IS BORN’ DUET 43 YEARS LATER
Country artists and organizations also paused to honor Kristofferson on social media and shared reactions to the news of his death. See some tributes to Kristofferson in the list below.
See The Tributes & Social Media Reactions Following Kris Kristofferson’s Death
Alan Jackson
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Reba McEntire
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Lukas Nelson
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Randy Travis
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The Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum
“Kris Kristofferson believed creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness. He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul but to ours. He leaves a resounding legacy.”
—Kyle Young,… pic.twitter.com/JMyZp6lJUr— Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (@countrymusichof) September 29, 2024
Dolly Parton
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John Carter Cash
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Waylon Jennings’ Official Page
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Lee Greenwood
Hard to believe my friend Kris Kristofferson has left us. He was successful in all areas of his life. A champion boxer, a world-class actor, a spectacular songwriter and singer, and a hero to everyone fortunate enough to know him. I will never forget his support for me when I… pic.twitter.com/LLyTjrx37R
— Lee Greenwood (@TheLeeGreenwood) September 29, 2024
The ACM
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Jennifer Nettles
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Travis Tritt
Sad to hear of Kris Kristofferson’s passing. He was an inspiration to me and I was fortunate to get to know him on the set of “Outlaw Justice” that we filmed in Spain in 1998. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kris’s wife Lisa and all of his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/9ahARfnNLD
— Travis Tritt (@TravisTritt) September 29, 2024
The CMA
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Tim McGraw
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Rosanne Cash
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John Rich
So sad to hear Kris Kristofferson has passed. He and I became friends over the years, and it was a distinct honor every time I got to work or hang out with him. He was one of the greatest lyricists to ever live, and a true class act. He set the bar so very high. Miss ya brother💔 pic.twitter.com/q45xLFCwif
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) September 29, 2024
Larry Gatlin
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Ashley McBryde
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Trisha Yearwood
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George Strait
Tanya Tucker
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Miranda Lambert
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Eric Church
Kris,
The ultimate life well lived. Thank you for being a beacon of light in a darkening world. You were my hero and my role model. And even then, you managed to exceed my expectations when you became my friend.
So long Captain. Till we meet again.
PS I found this on my phone. pic.twitter.com/sqttvPacoD
— Eric Church (@ericchurch) September 30, 2024
One of the most profound tributes to Kristofferson came from Eric Church, who called him his “hero” and “role model.”
Additionally, Church shared a video of an unreleased song titled “Kickin’ It With Kristofferson.” The video includes footage and photos of him and Kristofferson together over the years. You can watch the video below.
Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved Kris Kristofferson. May he rest in peace...
