How did Kris Kristofferson die as tributes paid to country music legend

Influential entertainer Kris Kristofferson died at home in Maui, Hawaii on Saturday night, with country music stars and actors paying tribute to the 88-year-old

Country music star and Hollywood actor Kris Kristofferson died aged 88 on Saturday night, surrounded by family.

Winning a Golden Globe for his role alongside Barbara Streisand in the 1976 movie A Star is Born, Kristofferson played her character Esther Hoffman's love interest John Norman Howard. Together, the stars won the movie an Oscar for Best Original Song with their track Evergreen.

The 82-year-old icon paid tribute to her co-star and friend on Instagram, writing: "The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A. I knew he was something special. Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became A Star Is Born."

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Barbara continued: "In the movie, Kris and I sang the song I’d written for the film’s main love theme, Evergreen. 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."

She added: "My thoughts go to Kris’ wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible."

Kristofferson's family spokeswoman Ebie McFarland confirmed in an email that he died at home in Maui, Hawaii, with his family around him, just three years after he retired from showbiz and entertainment. Although no cause of death was given, Kristofferson suffered various health issues in his later years, including a misdiagnosis of dementia, which turned out to be untreated Lyme disease. Although rare, symptoms include delirium, as well as a higher risk of arthritis and neurological complications.

Other stars have paid tribute to the influential entertainer, with Dolly Parton sharing her condolences. The country singer performed duets with Kristofferson, including her hits From Here to the Moon and Back and Put It Off Until Tomorrow.

She wrote: "What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly."

It read: "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." The statement signed off "Family of Kris Kristofferson”, and it added: "The family asks for privacy during this time."

Kris is survived by his wife Lisa, his eight children and seven grandchildren.

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