Dolly Parton pays tribute to late icon Kris Kristofferson

Co-stars, fans, and fellow musicians are joining together to pay respect to the late Grammy Award-winning country performer and actor Kris Kristofferson, who passed away at the age of 88.

Famous for his contributions to both music and movies, Kristofferson passed away quietly on Saturday at home in Maui, surrounded by his loved ones.

Instagram posterposter Barbra Streisand, who starred alongside Kristofferson in the Academy Award–winning 1976 version of A Star Is Born, posted her sincere sympathies.

“I knew Kris was something special the first time I saw him perform at the Troubadour club in LA,” the author wrote. He appeared like the ideal fit for a screenplay I was working on, which eventually became A Star Is Born, while he strummed his guitar barefoot.

In her reflections, Reba McEntire called Kristofferson a “gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words.” Many others who appreciated his generosity and artistic ability agreed with this statement.

Dolly Parton lamented the passing of her “great friend,” who she had worked on well-known duets like “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” and “From Here to the Moon and Back.”

She highlighted Kristofferson’s many talents when she said, “What a great loss, what a great writer, what a great actor, what a great friend.”

Star of country music Travis Tritt expressed his appreciation for Kristofferson as well, referring to him as a “inspiration” to many other musicians and fans. His insightful words and unforgettable performances inspired generations, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.

In a moving pictorial ode, Grammy-winning country musician Lee Greenwood conveyed his sadness, writing, “Hard to believe my friend Kris Kristofferson has left us.” He achieved success in every aspect of his life. A wonderful musician and vocalist, a world-class actor, a champion boxer, and a hero to everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

Providing some insight into Kristofferson’s thinking, Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said that he felt that “creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness.” This way of thinking demonstrated his love for artistic expression and struck a deep chord with his followers and fellow artists.

“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,” the statement from Kristofferson’s family said.

“We’re all so blessed for our time with him,” they said, expressing their gratitude for the time they had with him. I appreciate your love for him over the years, and know that he is grinning down on you anytime you see a rainbow.

Kristofferson began his storied career as a prolific songwriter in the late 1960s, penning hits including “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “For the Good Times,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.”

For many years to come, fans and other musicians will continue to be moved by his legacy as an artist and a human being.