Dolly Parton mourns 'great loss' of friend Kris Kristofferson with a touching tribute: 'I will always love you'

Dolly Parton wrote a touching tribute to country legend Kris Kristofferson, following news of his death at the age of 88 .

The Jolene hitmaker, 78, took to Instagram on Sunday, writing, 'What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend.'

'I will always love you, Dolly,' she concluded at the end, adding her signature, which features a butterfly graphic.

The multitalented entertainer, who was a country singer-songwriter and actor — famous for his role in A Star Is Born — died Saturday at his Maui, Hawaii home, his rep told People .

Dolly and Kris were longtime friends and collaborated on numerous duet performances, including the beloved songs From Here to the Moon and Back and Put It Off Until Tomorrow.

In 1982, the duo teamed up with Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee and released a compilation album called The Winning Hand.

The album later inspired a TV special, also called The Winning Hand, which aired in 1985 and was hosted by Johnny Cash.

On September 19, Dolly shared a throwback clip on Facebook of her and Kristofferson singing 'Ping Pong' — from The Winning Hand.

'There's noting like making music with friends! It brings me so much joy to have sung with so many talented artists over the years. Which one of my duets is your favorite?'

Kristofferson reshared the post on his Facebook page, writing, 'Thank you for sharing this Dolly Parton.'

In 2019, she also publicly wished him a happy birthday via Twitter.

'Wishing my pal Kris Kristofferson a very happy birthday!' she wrote, adding a throwback snap of them.

Kristofferson 'peacefully' passed away surrounded by relatives, his rep told People.

'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,' his family said in a statement, the outlet reported. '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.'

Among his numerous acting achievements, Kristofferson played the role of troubled rocker John Norman Howard in the 1976 A Star Is Born remake opposite Barbra Streisand. He won the Golden Globe in 1977 for his work in the film.

Kristofferson's other major acting endeavors include a turn as the character Whistler in the Wesley Snipes action films Blade (1998), Blade II (2002) and Blade: Trilogy (2004).

He also starred opposite Ellen Burstyn in director Martin Scorsese's 1974 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore.

Hollywood may have saved his music career. He still got exposure through his film and television appearances even when he couldn't afford to tour with a full band.

Hits that Kristofferson recorded include Why Me, Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do), Watch Closely Now, Desperados Waiting for a Train, A Song I'd Like to Sing and Jesus Was a Capricorn.

Kristofferson retired from performing and recording in 2021, making only occasional guest appearances on stage.

As news spread of his passing, a number of people and institutions paid memorial to Kristofferson online.

Country artist Travis Tritt said, 'Sad to hear of Kris Kristofferson's passing. He was an inspiration to me and I was fortunate to get to know him on the set of Outlaw Justice that we filmed in Spain in 1998. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kris's wife Lisa and all of his family, friends and fans.'

Country artist John Rich said, 'So sad to hear Kris Kristofferson has passed. He and I became friends over the years, and it was a distinct honor every time I got to work or hang out with him. He was one of the greatest lyricists to ever live, and a true class act. He set the bar so very high. Miss ya brother.'

Lee Greenwood said, 'Hard to believe my friend Kris Kristofferson has left us. He was successful in all areas of his life. A champion boxer, a world-class actor, a spectacular songwriter and singer, and a hero to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

'I will never forget his support for me when I received my first CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Award - his friendship and encouragement helped validate my career in country music and my place in Nashville. My family and I send our deepest sympathy to Kris' family. We lost a giant in our industry today!'