Kris Kristofferson, the legendary singer, songwriter, and actor, passed away peacefully at home on September 28. His family shared, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully… when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”

Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson grew up in a disciplined military family and earned a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford, where he discovered his love for music and poetry. After serving as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, he left the military to chase his songwriting dreams.

In the 1960s, he moved to Nashville, working odd jobs—including as a janitor at Columbia Records—while trying to break into country music. His persistence paid off when his songs “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and “For the Good Times” became hits for stars like Janis Joplin and Johnny Cash.

Kristofferson went on to become one of the most influential voices in the “outlaw country” movement. As part of The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash, he solidified his legacy as a true American icon whose music and words will continue to inspire generations.