At a Glance
- Kris Kristofferson, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Maui on Sept. 28 after a life of music, acting, and family.
- He left behind 8 kids, each carving their own paths in entertainment, law, and sports.
- His retirement from country music in 2021 set the stage for his son Johnny to take over the family business.
Why it matters:
Kristofferson’s death marks the end of an era for a legend whose songwriting shaped generations, and his family’s continued influence highlights the enduring legacy of his artistic and entrepreneurial spirit.
Kris Kristofferson’s final days were surrounded by the same love and talent that defined his life. He died peacefully at home in Maui on Sept. 28, surrounded by his eight children. The announcement came from a representative who confirmed the passing, and the family released a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude for the love shown over the years.
Family Background
Kris Kristofferson first met his high-school sweetheart, Frances Beer, and together they had their first two children, Tracy and Kris Jr. After their divorce, he married singer Rita Coolidge; the couple had a daughter, Casey, during their seven-year marriage. In 1983 he wed celebrity hairstylist Lisa Meyers, and over their 41-year union they welcomed daughter Kelly Marie and sons Jesse, Jody, Johnny, and Blake.
Children Overview
| Child | Birthdate | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tracy | Jan. 9 1962 | Hollywood actress; survived a serious motorcycle accident. |
| Kris Jr. | Jan. 20 1968 | Keeps a low profile. |
| Casey | Mar. 21 1974 | Former dancer; released music with her band. |
| Jesse | Oct. 7 1983 | Former actor, now retired from Hollywood. |
| Jody | May 21 1985 | Former WWE wrestler, ring name Jody Reese. |
| Johnny | 1988 | Lawyer from Pepperdine; now leads the family business. |
| Kelly Marie | Nov. 1 1990 | Actress and musician; married painter Aydin Hanami. |
| Blake | Jul. 27 1994 | Pepperdine alumnus; maintains a low profile. |
Tracy Kristofferson
Tracy, the eldest, was born on Jan. 9 1962. While a student at Stanford, she was involved in a high-speed motorcycle crash that left her with a serious head injury. Kris canceled a concert in Sweden to be by her side, remarking that “My daughters mean everything in the world to me.” She recovered, graduated, and launched a film career that began with Trouble in Mind (1985). She later worked as an associate producer on Pharaoh’s Army (1995) and has one child with actor Richard Tyson.
Kris Jr.
Born Jan. 20 1968, Kris Jr. is the second child of Kris and Frances. Despite sharing a legendary name, he has maintained a relatively private life.
Casey Kristofferson
Casey, born Mar. 21 1974, is the daughter of Kris and Rita Coolidge. She grew up touring with her parents but pursued dance, performing with the Asheville Ballet and opening a dance school in North Carolina. In 2019 she formed the Casey Kristofferson Band and released Dirty Feet, featuring a cover of “Me and Bobby McGee.” She has three daughters from her marriage.
Jesse Kristofferson
Jesse entered the world on Oct. 7 1983. He had brief stints in acting, notably on Days of Our Lives, before stepping away from the spotlight in 2013.
Jody Kristofferson
Jody, born May 21 1985, followed a different path. He wrestled in the WWE under the name Jody Reese before retiring from the sport.
Johnny Kristofferson
Johnny, the third son, was born in 1988. He earned a law degree from Pepperdine University and stepped into the family business after Kris announced his retirement from music in 2021. In a press release obtained by News Of Los Angeles, Johnny said, “It’s been amazing to dig into my dad’s catalog and history with this seasoned group of professionals … I can’t imagine a better partnership to bring the full depth of his songwriting to a new generation.” He added that the name has always been synonymous with songwriting as an art, and that they are excited to reintroduce his work to fans.
Kelly Marie Kristofferson
Kelly Marie was born Nov. 1 1990. She has built a career as both an actress and a musician, appearing in Traded (2016) and the short Pimp My Life (2017). She is set to produce and star in the upcoming crime drama Little Lamb. In 2013 she performed with her father at the Magnolia Fest, singing a duet of “The Wonder.” She married painter Aydin Hanami in 2018.
Blake Kristofferson
Blake, the youngest, was born Jul. 27 1994. He attended Pepperdine University and, like some of his siblings, keeps a low profile outside the public eye.
Retirement and Legacy
In 2021, Kris announced his retirement from country music, citing memory loss as a factor. The announcement came after years of a storied career that spanned songwriting, acting, and producing. Johnny’s takeover of the family business signaled a new chapter, with a partnership with Morris Higham Management to manage the catalog and continue Kris’s legacy.
Final Days and Family Statement
A representative confirmed Kris’s peaceful passing at his Maui home on Sept. 28. The family released a statement: “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 underscored the deep affection the family felt for their patriarch and the impact he had on those around him.
Key Takeaways
- Kris Kristofferson’s death ends a monumental career that shaped country music and film.
- His eight children have each forged distinct careers, from acting and wrestling to law and music production.
- Johnny’s stewardship of the family business promises to keep Kris’s songwriting alive for future generations.
