Country Icon Kris Kristofferson Dead at 88

One of country music’s most legendary voices has gone silent. Outlaw country icon Kris Kristofferson, responsible for musical juggernauts such as “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down,” died Saturday (Sept. 28) at his home in Maui, Hawaii. He was 88.

“When You See a Rainbow, Know He’s Smiling Down At Us All”

Kristofferson’s family shared the news of his death Sunday (Sept. 29) in a statement to social media. “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 statement read. “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.”

Comments began pouring in almost immediately, sharing warm words for the musical titan. “This man was a giant,” one Instagram user wrote. “He was a brilliant singer/songwriter (give “To Beat The Devil” a listen, it’s incredible) and an underrated actor… The world was a richer place because he was in it, and it will not have as much light as it once did now that he is gone.”

Kris Kristofferson Was a True “Jack of All Trades”

The most annoying person you’ve ever met likely calls themselves a “jack of all trades.” But for Kris Kristofferson, that phrase rang true.

[RELATED: 3 Country Songs Written by Kris Kristofferson That Will Play Forever]

Born June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson penned his first country song at just 11 years old. At age 18, he had two short stories— “Gone Are the Days” and “The Rock” — published in Atlantic Monthly.

The public first learned Kristofferson’s name in 1958, when Sports Illustrated recognized his achievements in rugby union, football, and track and field at Pomona College in Claremont, California.

Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, Kristofferson landed a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. He earned his master’s degree in English literature at Oxford University’s Merton College in 1960.

The son of a U.S. Army Air Corps officer, Kristofferson joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. Despite eventually rising to the rank of captain, the “Blade” star abandoned his military career in 1965 to pursue songwriting. This was by far his most successful endeavor, winning three GRAMMY Awards. He also won a Golden Globe for his role in the 1976 hit A Star Is Born.

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