Musician and “A Star is Born” actor Kris Kristofferson passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family spokesperson, Ebie McFarland. His family shared that he died peacefully at home on September 28, but did not disclose the exact cause of death. Prior to his passing, Kristofferson had been open about some of his health struggles, including memory loss and Lyme disease.
Kristofferson began to experience debilitating memory loss in his 70s, which initially led doctors to suspect Alzheimer’s or dementia. He had a history of playing contact sports in his teenage years, which can increase the risk of cognitive diseases. His struggles with memory loss were chronicled in song lyrics that reflected his confusion and forgetfulness. Additionally, in 2016, he tested positive for Lyme disease, which had been previously misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia. Treatment for Lyme disease alleviated many of his symptoms, leading to an improvement in his overall health.
The musician also dealt with other health issues over the years, including moderate to severe sleep apnea and bypass surgery in 1999. Kristofferson’s battle with various health conditions, misdiagnoses, and treatments impacted his ability to work and perform. Despite these challenges, his wife, Lisa Meyers, described his resilience and determination to overcome his health struggles and continue pursuing his passion for music and acting.
In 2020, at the age of 84, Kristofferson made the decision to retire from his music career, although the announcement was not made until 2021. His longtime manager, Tamara Saviano, stated that the retirement was a gradual process, rather than a sudden announcement. Saviano emphasized that while Kristofferson may no longer perform live, his music will continue to be cherished through archival projects and tributes. Despite retirement, Kristofferson was described as being healthy and in good shape, with hopes that he would be able to enjoy a longer life.
Throughout his career, Kris Kristofferson made significant contributions to the music and film industries, leaving a lasting impact on fans and fellow artists. His legacy will continue to live on through his music and performances, even after his retirement. Kristofferson’s resilience in the face of health challenges and determination to continue creating art serve as an inspiration to many, showcasing his passion and dedication to his craft until the very end.
