US Country Singer and Actor, Kris Kristofferson Dies Aged 88

US Award-winning country singer and actor, Kris Kristofferson has died at the age of 88.

According to family spokesperson Ebi McFarland, Kristofferson died “peacefully” in his home in Hawaii on Saturday, surrounded by family. The cause of death was not stated, but the musician was suffering from memory loss since his 70s.

An emotional statement by his family, which was posted on Instagram read, “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. 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 family asks for privacy during this time”, the family added in the statement.

Kristofferson is known for his standout roles in films such as A Star is Born which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, the Blade Trilogy and Heaven’s Gate. He was part of the country music supergroup the Highwaymen. His hit song, Help Me Make It Through The Night, earned him a Grammy Award.

In 2004, he was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame.

Following his demise, his colleagues have paid tribute to the star. Dolly Parton described his passing as a “great loss.” She said, “What a great loss, what a great writer, what a great actor, what a great friend. I will always love you.”

A Star is Born co-star, Barbra Streisand also penned a heartfelt tribute to Kristofferson. She wrote, “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.”

“My thoughts go to Kris’s wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible.”

Chief executive for the Country Music Hall of Fame Kyle Young, Singer Larry Gatlin, and Grammy-winning singer Travis Tritt all paid their tribute as well.

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