Kris Kristofferson Never Thought He'd Live Past 30 Amid Ex Joplin's Death
Kris Kristofferson previously revealed he never thought he'd live past 30 after the death of his ex-partner, Janis Joplin.
The prolific country music icon and Hollywood actor— who died peacefully on September 28 at age 88 at his home in Maui—has previously been candid about his issues with alcohol.
During the 1960s and '70s, Kristofferson was a heavy drinker, during which time he was also dating fellow singer Janis Joplin, who was trying to kick her heroin addiction. Joplin died in 1970 at the age of 27 due to her addiction.
Kristofferson spoke to People in 1998 about his drinking issues and what led him to eventually become sober.
Newsweek emailed a spokesperson for Kristofferson on Monday for a comment outside of normal business hours.
"It tore me up," Kristofferson told the publication of Joplin's death, but it didn't convince him to quit drinking. "I was a functioning alcoholic."
"For a couple of years, it was Jack Daniels, then it was tequila, then it was anything. When I was performing, I couldn't imagine getting up and doing it without drinking."
The actor explained that it was seeing his character in the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born die on-screen that finally encouraged him to get sober as he wanted to be able to be there for his loved ones.
"I had a half quart of Jose Cuervo in my icebox that they never let get empty. I remember feeling that that could very easily be my wife and kids crying over me. I quit drinking over that. I didn't want to die before my daughter grew up," Kristofferson explained.
Speaking of his life with his family in Hawaii, he added: "I never could have imagined this. I sit right here and think how it could have turned out so differently. I never thought I'd live past 30. I could have ended up dead."
The musician met his wife Lisa Meyers in 1982, not long after he got sober. In addition to Kristofferson's three children from prior marriages, the couple welcomed five children.
Kristofferson's family announced his death on Instagram on September 29.
"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," they wrote.
The Rhodes scholar-turned-country superstar left an indelible mark on American culture. Starting in the late 1960s, Kristofferson penned classics like "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down," "Help Me Make it Through the Night," and the iconic "Me and Bobby McGee."
Kristofferson's impact extended far beyond his entertainment careers. Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, highlighted the musician's philosophical approach to his own artistry.
"Kris Kristofferson believed creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness. He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul but to ours. He leaves a resounding legacy," Young said.
In his later years, Kristofferson retired from performing and recording in 2021. However, he made a memorable appearance at Willie Nelson's 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023, performing alongside Roseanne Cash.
