Kris Kristofferson dies aged 88 as Barbra Streisand leads tribute to country legend

Kris Kristofferson dies aged 88 as Barbra Streisand leads tribute to country legend

As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the celluloid world, I must say that Kris Kristofferson was not just another name in the vast catalog of Hollywood legends but a truly unique talent whose impact transcended the boundaries of music and acting.


Country music singer, songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson has died aged 88.

On Sunday evening, his family issued a statement confirming the unfortunate news that he passed away tranquilly at home on Saturday.

The note, which bore the signatures of his wife Lisa, eight children, and seven grandchildren, conveyed: “We feel incredibly fortunate to have spent time with him. We appreciate your love for him over all these years, and whenever you spot a rainbow, remember he’s smiling upon us from above.

Known not only for penning hits like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” and “For The Good Times,” but also for his acting achievements, Kristofferson garnered a Golden Globe for his performance opposite Barbara Streisand in the 1976 film A Star Is Born.

The initial occasion when I witnessed Kris’s performance at the Troubadour club in L.A. left me certain that he was exceptional. Barefoot and playing his guitar, he seemed to embody the ideal candidate for a screenplay I was working on, which eventually transformed into A Star Is Born.
In the film, Kris and I shared the rendition of…

— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) September 30, 2024

Expressing heartfelt tributes to her fellow actor, Streisand shared on social media: “The first time I witnessed Kris performing at the Troubadour club in LA, I felt he had a unique talent. Barefoot and playing his guitar, he appeared to be an ideal fit for a script I was working on, which eventually transformed into A Star Is Born.

As a movie reviewer, I can confidently say that one of the most memorable moments in “A Star Is Born” was when Kris and I performed our heartfelt duet, ‘Evergreen,’ a song I penned especially for the film’s poignant love theme. Fast forward to my 2019 concert at Hyde Park, London, I invited Kris on stage to recreate another enchanting performance of our duet, “Lost Inside Of You.

Originally, he was just as captivating, and the crowd enthusiastically clapped for him. Watching him earn the praise and affection he truly merited was a delight. My sympathies are with Lisa, his wife, who I’m confident has always been there to encourage and assist Kris in every way possible.

In the 1970s original movie, the duo portrayed the main characters Esther Hoffman and John Norman. Interestingly, the movie has been re-created not too long ago, featuring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga as its principal actors instead.

Dolly Parton also expressed her condolences for her longtime friend who passed away. They had acted together in the 2012 musical comedy-drama film, Joyful Noise. In a post on X, Parton said: “What a terrible loss. What an incredible writer. What a talented actor. What a wonderful friend. I will always cherish you, Dolly.

Oh, what an immense void your departure has left. You were such a remarkable storyteller, both on stage and screen. Your talent was undeniably captivating, yet it was your friendship that truly shone brightest. I’ll forever cherish the memories we shared, Kris, and my admiration for you will continue to grow. Rest in peace, dear friend.

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 30, 2024

1982 saw Dolly Parton collaborating with Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Brenda Lee on a dual album titled “The Winning Hand”. This album climbed up to the top 10 of the U.S. country album charts.

Over the course of his professional life, Kristofferson produced a grand total of 18 studio albums and enjoyed many chart-topping singles, such as “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” which later became popular covers for artists like Mariah Carey, Elvis Presley, and others.

In terms of his acting career, Kristofferson last appeared on-screen in 2018 for the film “Blaze” alongside Ethan Hawke, portraying the character Edwin Fuller, and he officially retired from acting in 2021.

According to Kyle Young, the head of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Kris Kristofferson firmly held the view that creativity is a divine gift bestowed by God. Those who choose not to acknowledge or dismiss this sacred endowment, he believed, are destined for both failure and misery.

“He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and then he created a body of work that gave voice not only to his soul but to ours. Kris’s heroes included the prize fighter Muhammad Ali, the great poet William Blake, and the ‘Hillbilly Shakespeare,’ Hank Williams.

His lifestyle mirrored and upheld the principles of those individuals, creating an honorable, brave, and powerful legacy that resonates with theirs.

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2024-09-30 12:34