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 got the most attention when performed by others – for example, Janis Joplin's version of "Me and Bobby McGee", which she recorded shortly before she died of an overdose in 1970.
Received a Golden Globe
Kristofferson was also an actor, and played leading roles, for example, opposite Barbra Streisand in "A star is born" (1976), for which he was awarded a Golden Globe. He also appeared in "Blade", which premiered in 1998.
"The first time I saw Kris perform was at The Troubadour club in Los Angeles. I knew he was something special. Barefoot with his guitar, he seemed perfect for the script I was working on, which eventually became "A star is born", writes Barbra Streisand on social media.
Kristofferson married singer and songwriter Rita Coolidge in 1973. They had a successful career as a duo and won two Grammys, before they went their separate ways in 1980.
In the 1980s, he also had successes with the group The Highwaymen, which was formed with country colleagues Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. The group released three albums between 1985-1995.
Retired in 2021
Kristofferson's grandmother and grandfather were first-generation immigrants to the USA from Sweden.
Kris Kristofferson retired from performing and recording music in 2021, and has since only made occasional guest appearances on stage. According to the family's spokesperson, he fell asleep surrounded by his family.
"What a great loss. What a great songwriter. What a great actor. What a great friend", writes singer Dolly Parton on social media and concludes with the words "I will always love you", which is also the title of her most famous song.
