10 Memorable Photos of Kris Kristofferson When He Was Young

Kris Kristofferson died on Sept. 28, 2024, with his family by his side. He was 88.

Born June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson had a varied and successful career as a songwriter, actor and performer. A long list of his songwriting credits includes major hits for other artists: "Me and Bobby McGee," "For the Good Times" and "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" are just a few.

He launched his country music solo career with a self-titled debut album in 1970. It was initially not a big hit, but found success when it was re-issued under the title Me & Bobby McGee the following year, after Janis Joplin scored a posthumous hit with that song.

Though Kris Kristofferson's cause of death has not yet been made public, his family wanted his fans to know just how grateful they are. They issued this line as part of a longer statement:

"Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all."

Look back at the late legend with these memorable pictures of Kristofferson when he was young.

Memorable Pictures of Kris Kristofferson When He Was Young

Kris Kristofferson died on Sept. 28, 2024. He was a man of many trades: An accomplished country singer, esteemed songwriter and talented actor. He wrote some of the biggest country songs of all time — "Me and Bobby McGee", "For the Good Times", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night" — all of which were hits for other artists.

In his memory, scroll through these photos of a younger Kristofferson doing what he did best.

Gallery Credit: Evan Paul

Kris Kristofferson Dies: Country Stars React

The country world was left mourning when Kris Kristofferson died at age 88 on Saturday (Sept. 28.)

The legendary, genre-spanning singer-songwriter touched hearts and lives across a variety of corners of the entertainment industry. Whether you knew him as a Highwayman, the writer behind classics like "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" or as an actor in films like A Star is Born, Kristofferson's impact was undeniable.

Flip through the gallery below to see country stars' tributes to the late, great legend.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak