Episode Details

Legendary singer, songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson has passed away at the age of 88 surrounded by family on September 28. Initially, Kristofferson's early life was dedicated to academia and military service. He notably earned a Rhode Scholarship to Oxford University, then served as a ranger and helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army. Kristofferson would eventually leave all that behind and move to Nashville. The "Me and My Bobby McGee" singer had a fairly successful solo career and was an original member of the super group, The Highwaymen. However, Kristofferson's songwriting was next level, with some of the biggest names in country and rock and roll recording his songs including Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Janis Joplin. Kris' career also included starring roles in movies such as "Convoy," "Vigilantly Force," "A Star is Born" and the "Blade" Trilogy. Kristofferson's family expressed their gratitude to fans saying, "Thank you for loving him for all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he is smiling down on us all."