Celebrities in Nashville and the world beyond honor the multitalented icon.
Tributes from colleagues and admirers continue to appear online and in public statements as the sad news spreads about Kris Kristofferson’s death Saturday at age 88.
Reba McEntire: “What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Kris.”
George Strait: “Artists and songwriters of this caliber come along very rarely and he certainly made his mark on the world. My family, like most people, were huge fans and we will all miss him. I knew him on a professional level only but I always felt like it was more because of the kindness and respect he showed me on the times we met. I’ll treasure those times forever. He lived one heck of a life and I’m hoping it has only just begun for him. God bless Kris and all of the Kristofferson family.”
Billy Ray Cyrus: “The magnitude of Kris Kristofferson’s greatness is beyond words. As a man, a musician, a songwriter, a singer, an actor, and a humanitarian... he set the bar for what it means to live fully and authentically. His legendary impact on music and humanity will resonate forever.”
David and Howard Bellamy, The Bellamy Brothers: “We were asked to produce an album by a record label in Europe with lots of stars from Switzerland and American singers duetting together. All of the singers wanted to do ‘Bobby McGee’ but we hadn’t seen Kris for a while and didn’t have a contact for him. A friend of ours mentioned he knew how to reach him, and so we asked him to explain the project and see if Kris would be part of it. He answered us almost immediately and said he would love to do it and to tell Howard and David just to send the tracks to his studio in Hawaii and he’d record the vocals. Of course all of the Swiss artists were so excited they all wanted to sing with him, and so they did, from the yodelers to the rock stars to the folk singers and everything in between because Kris’ music is universal, everyone knows it and everyone loves to sing it and everyone will miss Kris Kristofferson so much but his legacy will live on. We love you, Kris.”
Don McClean: “Kris and I shared a magical weekend together. We both were introduced by legends at The Newport Folk Festival in 1969. Johnny Cash brought him and introduced him. Pete Seeger brought me and introduced me. If that were not enough, other artists made their debut as well such as James Taylor and Van Morrison. To top it off we landed a man on the moon that weekend and everybody was writing songs. Whenever I saw him we would always talk about it. Kris was a fine man.”
T.G. Sheppard: “Kris Kristofferson will go down as one of the most prolific writers in music history, but to most he will go down as one of the nicest, most down-to-earth talents that our business has ever known. I was honored to have the pleasure of working with him and calling him a friend.”
Trisha Yearwood: “This one hurts. The word ‘legend’ gets tossed around a lot but with Kristofferson the shoe fits. These are shoes that won’t be filled. Rest easy.”
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 received my first CMA Male Vocalist of the Year award — his friendship and encouragement helped validate my career in country music and my place in Nashville. My family and I send our deepest sympathy to Kris’ family. We lost a giant in our industry today!”
Tom Jones: A very sad loss of the great Kris Kristofferson, creator of some of the most beautiful, moving songs ever written and recorded. A talent with huge capability and intellect and a wonderful character whose legacy is powerful. RIP Kris: I hope your ‘soul’s in His Hands.’”
Bill Anderson: “Kris Kristofferson was the songwriter’s songwriter. We all looked up to him and wished we could have written with such ‘elegant simplicity.’ His music will live forever, and I will forever treasure the times I got to spend with him. Rest in peace, my friend, knowing that you were the best.”
Janie Fricke: “I’ll always cherish the memory of singing harmonies on ‘Why Me Lord’ with Kris and Willie on the country homecoming show — I recorded that song he wrote and sing it at every concert I do — thanks to my friend Kris.”
Rhonda Vincent: “I had the honor of playing a few festivals with Kris. I admired his work and know the music community feels a deep loss at his passing.”
Jeff Bridges: “Kris Kristofferson, I knew him. Our first crossing of paths was in 1972 on the movie Fat City. His song ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ fit the tone of our film perfectly. His songs fit life perfectly, reflecting the pain, joys, and insights of being alive. Years later, in 1980, I got to work with him on Heaven’s Gate. He was perfectly cast as a man who would learn what cynicism & idealism cost. His combination of intelligence and physicality, and I gotta add humility, served him well. He was a wonderful actor. On Heaven’s Gate I also met Stephen Bruton, his dear, dear, friend and fellow musician. The two of them together created beautiful music, and an example of what friendship and talent can bring forth. Kris and I got a kick out of looking a bit like each other. It gave me the feeling we were brothers. I’ll miss you Kris on many levels. I’m blessed that our paths cross, my friend.”
Barbra Streisand: “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 sand the song I’d written for the film’s main love theme, ‘Evergreen.’ For my latest concert in 2019 at London's Hyde Park, I asked Kris to join me on-stage to sing our other A Star Is Born duet, ‘Lost Inside of You.’ 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. My thoughts go to Kris’ wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible.”
