The country music community is speaking out about the loss of Kris Kristofferson, who passed away on Saturday, September 28. Kristofferson, a pioneer in songwriting, who was also a successful artist and actor, inspired many of today’s reigning hitmakers, who are now speaking out about his loss.
“What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words,” Reba McEntire writes. “I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Kris.”
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. pic.twitter.com/Qeqs44e4KZ
— Reba McEntire (@reba) September 30, 2024
Eric Church penned a heartfelt letter to Kristofferson, who he openly admits was one of his biggest inspirations.
“Kris, The ultimate life well lived,” Church posts. “Thank you for being a beacon of light in a darkening world. You were my hero and my role model. And even then, you managed to exceed my expectations when you became my friend. So long Captain. Till we meet again. PS I found this on my phone.”
Kris,
The ultimate life well lived. Thank you for being a beacon of light in a darkening world. You were my hero and my role model. And even then, you managed to exceed my expectations when you became my friend.
So long Captain. Till we meet again.
PS I found this on my phone. pic.twitter.com/sqttvPacoD
— Eric Church (@ericchurch) September 30, 2024
Dolly Parton eloquently posted a tribute to Kristofferson, and both her personal and professional relationship with him.
“What a great loss,” Parton says. “What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly.”
What a great loss
What a great writer
What a great actor
What a great friendI will always love you, Dolly pic.twitter.com/AzbCvBlJiz
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 30, 2024
Travis Tritt was fortunate enough to work with Kristofferson as an actor, which he reflected on in his touching tribute.
“Sad to hear of Kris Kristofferson’s passing,” Tritt says. “He was an inspiration to me and I was fortunate to get to know him on the set of ‘Outlaw Justice’ that we filmed in Spain in 1998. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kris’s wife Lisa and all of his family, friends and fans.”
Sad to hear of Kris Kristofferson’s passing. He was an inspiration to me and I was fortunate to get to know him on the set of “Outlaw Justice” that we filmed in Spain in 1998. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kris’s wife Lisa and all of his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/9ahARfnNLD
— Travis Tritt (@TravisTritt) September 29, 2024
Trisha Yearwood was a longtime friend of Kristofferson, whom she also looked up to as a mentor and inspiration.
“This one hurts,” Yearwood pens. “The word legend gets tossed around a lot but with Kristofferson the shoe fits. These are shoes that won’t be filled. Rest easy. ”
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. 💔xoxo trisha pic.twitter.com/iCoSWN7Ycz
— Trisha Yearwood (@trishayearwood) September 30, 2024
Kristofferson passed away peacefully at his home in Maui, Hawaii, surrounded by his family. Funeral services have yet to be announced.
“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 family shares 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.”