Dolly Parton wrote a moving tribute to country legend Kris Kristofferson following news of his death at the age of 88.
The Jolene hitmaker, 78, wrote on Instagram on Sunday: ‘What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend.’
“I will always love you, Dolly,” she concluded at the end, adding her signature, with a butterfly image.
The versatile entertainer, country singer-songwriter and actor — famous for his role in A Star Is Born — died Saturday at his home in Maui, Hawaii, his representative said. People.
Dolly and Kris were old friends and collaborated on numerous duet performances, including the beloved songs From Here to the Moon and Back and Put It Off Until Tomorrow.
Dolly Parton, 78, wrote a moving tribute to country legend Kris Kristofferson following news of his death; they can be seen in 2012
The Jolene hitmaker wrote on Instagram on Sunday: ‘What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a wonderful friend. I will always love you, Dolly
In 1982, the duo collaborated with Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee and released a compilation album called The Winning Hand.
The album later inspired a TV special, also called The Winning Hand, which aired in 1985 and was hosted by Johnny Cash.
On September 19, Dolly shared a throwback clip on Facebook of her and Kristofferson singing ‘Ping Pong’ – from The Winning Hand.
‘There’s nothing like making music with friends! It gives me so much joy to have sung with so many talented artists over the years. @KrisKristofferson Which of my duets is your favorite?’
Kristofferson reshared the post on his Facebook page, writing, “Thanks for sharing this Dolly Parton.”
In 2019, she also publicly wished him a happy birthday via Twitter.
“Wishing my friend Kris Kristofferson a very happy birthday!” she wrote, adding a throwback snap.
Kristofferson died “peacefully” surrounded by family members, his rep told People.
Dolly and Kris were old friends and collaborated on numerous duet performances, including the beloved songs From Here to the Moon and Back and Put It Off Until Tomorrow
On September 19, Dolly shared a throwback clip on Facebook of her and Kristofferson singing ‘Ping Pong’ – from The Winning Hand
In 2019, she also publicly wished him a happy birthday via Twitter
In 1982, the duo collaborated with Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee and released a compilation album called The Winning Hand; Kris seen with Dolly watching the Country Music Awards in 2003
The album later inspired a TV special, also called The Winning Hand, which aired in 1985 and was hosted by Johnny Cash; they can be seen in 2003 with Francis Preston
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 28,” his family said in a statement, the outlet reported. “We are all so blessed for our time with him.”
“Thank you for loving him all these years, and when you see a rainbow, know that he is smiling at us all.”
Among his numerous acting credits, Kristofferson played the role of troubled rocker John Norman Howard in the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born opposite Barbra Streisand. He won the Golden Globe in 1977 for his work in the film.
Kristofferson’s other major acting efforts include a turn as the character Whistler in the Wesley Snipes action films Blade (1998), Blade II (2002) and Blade: Trilogy (2004).
He also starred opposite Ellen Burstyn in director Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
Hollywood may have saved his music career. He continued to gain fame through his film and television appearances, even if he could not afford to tour with a full band.
Hits that Kristofferson recorded include Why Me, Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do), Watch Closely Now, Desperados Waiting for a Train, A Song I’d Like to Sing and Jesus Was a Capricorn.
Kristofferson retired from performing and recording in 2021, making only occasional guest appearances on stage.
As news of his death spread, a number of people and institutions posted memorials for Kristofferson online.
The versatile entertainer, country singer-songwriter and actor — famous for his role in A Star Is Born — died Saturday at his home in Maui, Hawaii, his rep told People
The Brownsville, Texas native wrote such classics as Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down, Help Me Make it Through the Night, For the Good Times and Me and Bobby McGee; pictured during a performance in 1973
Country artist Travis Tritt said, “Sad to hear of the passing of Kris Kristofferson. He was an inspiration to me and I was lucky enough to meet him on the set of Outlaw Justice which we filmed in Spain in 1998. My sincere condolences go out to Kris’ wife Lisa and all his family, friends and fans.”
Country artist John Rich said: “So sad to hear of Kris Kristofferson’s passing. He and I have become friends over the years, and it was an honor every time I got to work with him or hang out with him. He was one of the greatest lyricists ever, and a real class act. He set the bar so very high. I miss you brother.’
Lee Greenwood said: ‘Hard to believe my friend Kris Kristofferson has left us. He was successful in all areas of his life. A champion boxer, a world-class actor, a spectacular songwriter and singer, and a hero to all who were lucky enough to know him.
“I will never forget his support of me when I received my first CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Award – his friendship and encouragement helped validate my career in country music and my place in Nashville. My family and I extend our deepest condolences to Kris’ family. We have lost a giant in our industry today!’