Kris Kristofferson, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for his leading role in 1976’s “A Star Is Born,” has died. He was 88.
He was surrounded by family when he passed away “peacefully” at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday, Page Six confirms.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 28, at home,” his family said in a statement.
“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.”
The statement was shared on behalf of Kristofferson’s wife, Lisa; his eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly and Blake; and his seven grandchildren.
No cause of death has been shared at this time.
Kristofferson, who was born in Brownsville, Texas, in June 1936, began his decades-long career as a musician in the late ’60s.
He wrote multiple classic country songs including “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” which was performed by Ray Stevens and Johnny Cash, and “Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin.
In 1985, he teamed up with Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson to form The Highwaymen. The trio released their first album, “Highwayman,” in 1985, followed by 1990’s “Highwayman 2” and 1995’s “The Road Goes on Forever.”
Kristofferson won three Grammy Awards, including best country song for “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
Meanwhile, Kristofferson got his big break in Hollywood opposite Barbra Streisand in the 1976 remake of “A Star Is Born.”
His performance as self-destructive rocker John Norman Howard earned the actor a Golden Globe Award in 1977.
He is also known for portraying Whistler in the “Blade” trilogy alongside Wesley Snipes.
