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Tributes are pouring in following the death of legendary country music star and actor Kris Kristofferson.
His family spokesperson Ebie McFarland said he died peacefully and surrounded by his family at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday (28 September) at the age of 88.
No cause of death for the Hollywood A-lister was given.
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“We’re all so blessed for our time with him,” a family statement added. “Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
Kristofferson starred in films like the Blade trilogy, Planet of the Apes and Lone Star. But the US icon was also widely known for his legendary work in country music, writing songs such as ‘Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down’, ‘Help Me Make it Through the Night’ and ‘Me and Bobby McGee’.
Stars from across the entertainment industry have shared tributes for the Grammy and Country Music Association Awards winner.
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Kristofferson also picked up a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical when he starred in the Oscar-winning 1976 remake of A Star is Born.
His co-star Barbra Streisand wrote on Instagram: “The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in LA 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.”
She also recalled having Kristofferson join her on-stage to sing the film’s duet in 2019 at London’s Hyde Park as she added: “He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause. It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved.”
Country star Dolly Parton also shared: “What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly.”
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Singer and actress Reba McEntire also described Kristofferson as ‘one of my favourite people’.
“What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him,” she added.
Country singer Travis Tritt also called him an ‘inspiration’ as The Haunting of Hill House writer and director Mike Flanagan remembered his ‘brilliant work in Lone Star’.
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And fellow country star Lee Greenwood wrote: “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.”
In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The chief executive for the Country Music Hall of Fame, Kyle Young, wrote on X: “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.”
Jess Battison