The multi-talented Kristofferson's career took off late in the 1960s. The American, with roots in Texas and Sweden, wrote classics like "Sunday mornin' comin' down", "Help me make it through the night" and "For the good times".
He was himself an artist, but many of his songs gained most attention when performed by others – for example, Janis Joplin's version of "Me and Bobby McGee", which she recorded shortly before her death from an overdose in 1970.
Kristofferson was also an actor, playing the lead role opposite Barbara Streisand in "A star is born" (1976), for which he was awarded a Golden Globe. He also appeared in "Blade", which premiered in 1998.
He married singer and songwriter Rita Coolidge in 1973. They had a successful career as a duo and won two Grammys before going their separate ways in 1980.
Kristofferson's grandmother and grandfather were first-generation immigrants to the USA from Sweden.
Kris Kristofferson withdrew from performing and recording music in 2021, and has since only made occasional guest appearances on stage. According to the family's spokesperson Ebie McFarland, he fell asleep surrounded by his family.
