Kris Kristofferson, the Grammy-winning singer and actor, died Saturday at his home in Maui. He was 88.
A representative said he was surrounded by family when he died “peacefully.”
“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,” his family said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.
Kristofferson’s first album, “Sunday Mornin’ Coming’ Down,” got a makeover from Johnny Cash, who did a rendition for “The Johnny Cash Show” and won song of the year at the CMA Awards in 1970.
“Me and Bobby McGee,” co-written with Fred Foster and released on Janis Joplin’s 1971 posthumous album, “Pearl,” became one of Kristofferson and Joplin’s biggest hits, reaching No. 1 on the pop charts and earning two Grammy nominations in 1972 for best country song and song of the year.
Kristofferson took home his first-ever Grammy for best country song for Sammi Smith’s version of “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
He was featured in films such as “Cisco Pike” (1972) and “Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid” (1973).
His big break came as rock star John Norman Howard in the 1976 remake of “A Star Is Born.” The film earned Kristofferson a Golden Globe for best actor in 1977.
He also was known for his performances as Whistler in the “Blade” trilogy opposite Wesley Snipes.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
