Today, Kristofferson’s musical friends and colleagues released the following statements:
“What a loss. When he first came to town, Bob Beckham called me and offered me any of his first songs to record. I chose ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down.’ It wasn’t a hit for me but it was for Cash. Kris had a way with words like no one else. Rest in Peace, Kris.” -Ray Stevens
“As our music industry is ever-changing, this is one loss that will be felt from now on. We will never hear songs like his again. His legacy will be one of respect for the kind of man he was, as well as his music.” -Jeannie Seely
“It would take a wordsmith as good as Kris Kristofferson himself to express the feelings going through me right now, but since Kris is not here I’ll just say, I’m sad that he’s not still here with us on earth, but I’m happy he’s in Heaven with Johnny and Waylon and Roger. Almost forgot JESUS. As in ‘Lord Help Me Jesus.’ And they are having one Heaven of a time.” –Larry Gatlin
“Kris was one of country music’s greatest voices. May the light and incredible gifts he shared with the world live on for countless years to come. Let’s keep his family in our hearts and prayers.” -Marty Raybon, Shenandoah
“I’m very saddened this week at the news that the great Kris Kristofferson has passed away. Even though Kris lived a long life, it’s still difficult to accept that he’s gone. Of all the amazing songwriters who influenced and inspired me, and there are many, no one else wrote more songs that touched me deeply than Kristofferson. A consummate lyricist who changed country music songwriting forever. His passing, coming only days after the death of my friend Hugh Prestwood, whom like Kris wrote so many lyrical and musical masterpieces, has made this week a devastating loss for our industry and music. Kris penned my favorite line of all time: ‘I’d trade all of my tomorrows, for one single yesterday.’ May you be at peace, Kris. I most assuredly will be paying tribute to Kris and to Hugh onstage for quite some time. May God bless and comfort these men. Two of His finest poets.“ -Collin Raye
“Meeting Kristofferson was one of the huge highlights of my life. He was so kind and an absolute perfect gentleman. He even knew one of my songs, ‘Second Wind,’ and of course that made my head swell. He was a brilliant man but I think his greatest offerings came in the songs. My goal in life was always to be the best songwriter I could be. Looking back over his work is probably the best example anyone could ever see. Thanks Kris. You served us all in many different ways and we are forever indebted. You will be missed.” -Darryl Worley
“Kris Kristofferson taught us the difference between simplicity and trite, sexy and vulgar, broken and reborn.”
-Billy Dean
“I am heartbroken to hear that Kris Kristofferson has passed away. He was such a beautiful human being, a prolific poet, a brilliant, legendary songwriter and an icon in the world of music and film. I’m so grateful to God that I had the honor and privilege of calling him my friend. He was a gift to all of us and he will be loved, missed and remembered forever. Rest in Heavenly Peace, Kris. I can’t help but think how Kris now knows all the answers to the questions he asked in his amazing song, ‘Why Me Lord.’ I love these heartfelt words from his family in their statement this evening: ‘We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us.’” –Deborah Allen