Kris Kristofferson Remembered by Reba McEntire, Muppet History, and More

As a movie and music lover who grew up in the era of iconic artists, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kris Kristofferson. Growing up in small-town America, I remember listening to his songs on the radio and watching him in films like “A Star is Born” and “Con convoy.” His talent as a songwriter, actor, and all-around performer was evident, but it was his life experiences that truly set him apart.


News of actor and country star Kris Kristofferson’s death broke Sunday, September 29. “He was a Rhodes Scholar in Oxford, a defensive back, a bartender, a Golden Gloves boxer, a gandy dancer, a forest firefighter, a road crew member, and an Army Ranger who flew helicopters,” an obituary from PR service Essential Broadcast Media read. “He was a peacenik, a revolutionary, an actor, a superstar, a sex symbol, and a family man. He was commissioned to teach English at West Point, though he gave that up to become a Nashville songwriting bum.”

Barbra Streisand paid tribute to her co-star from “A Star Is Born” on Instagram, stating that the first time she saw him perform at the Troubadour club in L.A., she knew he was extraordinary. She had recently worked with him as late as 2019. In her message, she expressed her sympathies to Kris’ wife, Lisa, who Streisand believes stood by him in every way imaginable.

People often recalled Kristofferson for his unwavering principles that he stood by during performances multiple times. A popular tale on social media recounted how Kristofferson supported Sinead O’Connor when she faced backlash following her appearance on SNL. During a Bob Dylan tribute concert, O’Connor was met with boos, and it was suggested that Kristofferson ask her to leave the stage. Instead, he stood by her, encouraging her by saying “Don’t let the jerks bring you down.

The story of Kristofferson telling off Toby Keith also got a lot of coverage. Allegedly, Keith said “None of that lefty shit out there tonight, Kris.” when greeting Kristofferson at Willie Nelson’s birthday concert. Kristofferson wasn’t having it, asking Keith if he’d ever served in the military. “I asked, ‘Have you ever served your country?’ The answer is, no, you have not. Have you ever killed another man? Huh? Have you ever taken another man’s life and then cashed the check your country gave you for doing it? No, you have not. So shut the fuck up!”

Various individuals who knew and respected the multifaceted talent of Kris Kristofferson paid tribute to him. Among them, Reba McEntire referred to him as a “gentleman, kind spirit, and a word enthusiast.” Travis Tritt described him as an “inspiration,” while Mike Flanagan commended his acting prowess, particularly in the film “LONE STAR,” which he named as his personal favorite. A collection of more heartfelt tributes to Kris Kristofferson can be found below.

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2024-09-30 05:53