Country Stars Pay Heartfelt Tribute to Kris Kristofferson

A Legend in Country Music

Kris Kristofferson, a true legend in country music, touched countless lives with his soulful songs and heartfelt lyrics. He left a lasting impact on the industry as a singer-songwriter, actor, and performer.

Kristofferson is deeply admired, from iconic hits like “Me and Bobby McGee” to his genuine personality. He received tributes from some of the country music’s biggest stars, not just for his music but for his remarkable spirit.

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson shared a decades-long friendship rooted in deep respect. As members of The Highwaymen, alongside Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, their collaboration became legendary in outlaw country.

At a 2009 BMI tribute, Nelson praised Kristofferson, saying, “There’s no better songwriter alive,” crediting him as a major influence on his own music.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton, a country music icon, often praised Kris Kristofferson for his powerful songwriting that connected with people from all walks of life. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, she reflected on his impact, writing, “What a great loss, what a great writer, what a great actor, what a great friend.”

Dolly credited Kristofferson’s work with inspiring her to push boundaries in her music. Their friendship was grounded in mutual respect and a love for storytelling.

Johnny Cash

One of the standout moments was Cash’s 1970 hit cover of Kristofferson’s “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” which boosted Kristofferson’s recognition as a songwriter. Kristofferson admired Cash’s boldness and saw him as a “true outlaw” who pushed boundaries in country music.

Even after Cash’s passing, his family continues to honor Kristofferson’s legacy, acknowledging both men’s lasting impact on country music and future generations of artists.

Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard, known for his captivating storytelling in country music, was a big fan of Kris Kristofferson, especially his heartfelt song “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”

Haggard admired how Kristofferson turned everyday moments into powerful lyrics. Their deep connection and collaboration in The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash truly shaped country music

Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire paid tribute to Kris Kristofferson, remembering him as “a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words.” In her social media post, she expressed gratitude for knowing him and called him one of her favorite people.

Her admiration was evident in 2016 when she performed “Me and Bobby McGee” at a tribute concert in Nashville, made even more memorable when Kristofferson joined her for a duet.

Vince Gill

In a recent tribute, Vince reflected on how Kris “changed the face of how songs were written,” admiring his ability to craft raw, honest lyrics that deeply resonated with listeners.

Vince shared a story about realizing one of his 1997 songs unintentionally borrowed the melody from Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” When he apologized, Kris shrugged it off, reflecting his laid-back and generous nature.

Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker had a special bond with Kris Kristofferson throughout their careers, often hitting the stage together. She admired his humility and genuine spirit and celebrated his authenticity in life and music.

Offstage, their friendship meant the world to her, which left a lasting influence on her as a performer and person.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris admired Kris Kristofferson’s ability to write deeply personal yet universally relatable songs. She once remarked on Kris’s gift for making listeners feel that each song was meant just for them.

Beyond music, Kris’s authenticity as an artist resonated deeply with her. Their collaborations, such as “The Pilgrim, Chapter 33,” highlighted the mutual respect and artistry they shared throughout their careers.

George Strait

George Strait, the King of Country , paid a heartfelt tribute to Kris Kristofferson after his passing in 2024. He celebrated Kris’s incredible impact on country music, saying, “Artists and songwriters of this caliber come along very rarely, and he certainly made his mark on the world.”

He shared, “My family, like most people, were huge fans, and we will all miss him,” emphasizing the warmth and legacy he left behind through his music and character.

Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson, a beloved country music icon, has always looked up to Kris Kristofferson for his genuine songwriting. When he received the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024, Jackson couldn’t help but express his admiration.

“Everyone’s a fan of his,” he said, celebrating how Kristofferson’s heartfelt lyrics inspire new artists to share their stories.

Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood, a beloved country star, has always admired Kris Kristofferson for his fantastic storytelling through music. Performing “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” with him at a Johnny Cash tribute was a dream for her.

After he passed, she shared, “This one hurt. A true legend is gone,” highlighting the emotional resonance he brought to his songs.

Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves has always admired Kris Kristofferson’s fearless approach to tackling complex and controversial topics. She admires how he “wasn’t afraid to speak his mind,” which inspires her to do the same.

She credits Kristofferson with showing her that country music can go beyond love songs to reflect real life and confront deeper societal issues.

Jason Isbell

Jason Isbell has openly expressed his admiration for Kris Kristofferson’s songwriting, especially admiring how Kristofferson crafts vivid, story-driven lyrics. Isbell appreciates his ability to “paint a picture with words” and draws inspiration from Kristofferson’s storytelling.

Isbell admires his ability to pull from personal experiences to influence his storytelling. This admiration was clear when he participated in a tribute performance for Kristofferson’s legacy.

Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn, the Queen of Country Music , received the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nashville Songwriters Association International in 2019. While Loretta and Kris weren’t super close, she always cherished songwriting as a way to share her life.

“Writing the songs means more to me than singing them,” she said upon receiving the award. Lynn’s career is celebrated for its authenticity and boldness, traits also found in Kristofferson’s work.

Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks has always admired Kris Kristofferson for changing the game in country music with his incredible, poetic lyrics.

During a heartfelt tribute, he said Kristofferson “revolutionized country music lyrics,” a nod to his impact on the genre. This influence was further recognized in 2022 when Brooks received the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nashville Songwriter Awards.

Learn more about how Garth and Trisha Yearwood remember Kris Kristofferson in this heartfelt tribute .

Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley, a talented blend of traditional country with a modern twist, often shares his admiration for legendary songwriters like Kris Kristofferson.

While he hasn’t specifically said Kristofferson shaped his career, there’s no doubt that Kristofferson’s heartfelt storytelling, especially in hits like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” has inspired many artists, including Paisley, to dive into deeper themes.

To explore how Paisley respects tradition while pushing country music forward, check out this guide to his best tracks .