Barbra Streisand has paid tribute to Kris Kristofferson following the country music legend’s death, aged 88.
Kristofferson’s death was confirmed by his family on Sunday (September 29), who said in a statement on social media: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home.
“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 all.”
In addition to his country chart-topping music career, Kristofferson is known for starring in the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born opposite Streisand, winning a Golden Globe for the performance.
His former co-star is among those to have paid tribute, with the legendary actor and singer writing a social media tribute featuring an image from the film poster and an picture of the pair performing together years later.
“The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A. I knew he was something special,” the two-time Oscar winner wrote. “Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became ‘A Star Is Born’.”
“In the movie, Kris and I sang the song I’d written for the film’s main love theme, ‘Evergreen.’
The post went on: “For my latest concert in 2019 at London’s Hyde Park, I asked Kris to join me on-stage to sing our other A Star Is Born duet, ‘Lost Inside Of You.’ He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause. It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved.
“My thoughts go to Kris’ wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible.”
The love theme ‘Evergreen’ won Streisand her second Academy Award, making her the first woman to be honoured as a composer.
As an actor, Kristofferson was also celebrated for his starring roles in films like Blade and Heaven’s Gate.
Dolly Parton, who performed duets with the late country star including ‘From Here To The Moon and Back’, wrote in her own tribute: “What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you.”
Many other stars of the stage and screen have paid tribute following the news, including Carole King, Loni Love, Dallas Moore, Metallica and more.
Kris Kristofferson had been inducted into several halls of fame prior to his death, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, he released 20 studio albums as a solo musician, and three albums with The Highwaymen.
Back in 2021, the Grammy Award-winning star announced his retirement after more than five decades in the entertainment industry.