Kris Kristofferson, at the venerable age of 87, has carved out a space in the annals of
music and cinema that few can rival.
With a life pulsating with rhythm and rhymes, he's known as much for his poetic songwriting
as for his roles on the silver screen.
Tracks like "Me and Bobby McGee" have become anthems for generations, while his film credits,
including the iconic "A Star Is Born," showcase his versatility as an artist.
As the twilight of his life approaches, Kristofferson has begun to muse on his mortality, reflecting
on a life that’s been nothing short of extraordinary.
The honesty with which he's always approached his work now extends to the final act of his
journey, and fans and peers alike continue to be moved by his introspection.
Join Facts Verse, as we present: Kris Kristofferson is Selling All His Things as He Prepares to
Die
Selling His Assets Kris Kristofferson has lived a long and successful
life, but at age 87, now finds himself in the waning years of his run on earth.
As such, he has reportedly begun to sell off some of his assets, so that his heirs don’t
have to deal with them.
The actor and singer has apparently said that things will be a lot easier for them if they
inherit cash, rather than things like property.
As such, he has put up his giant ranch in California for sale.
The 550-acre property is listing for $17.2 million, which will certainly go a long way
towards helping his family with an easy financial transition after he passes.
And while he has had moments of improvement in his health in the past decade, it now appears
as if the star is accepting that he might pass away relatively soon.
So he’s trying to get all his ducks in a row to prepare for that eventuality.
Kris’s Health Issues KrThe country music legend experienced a series
of memory-related issues that led to a surprising misdiagnosis and subsequent revelation.
In the years leading up to the 2010s, Kris Kristofferson began to suffer from significant
memory loss.
His issues were progressing to a point where they were affecting his daily life and ability
to work.
Initially, doctors believed that these memory problems were a result of the early stages
of Alzheimer's Disease.
Kristofferson, along with his family and fans, braced themselves for the challenges this
diagnosis would present, given the degenerative nature of Alzheimer's.
It was a heart-wrenching period for all who admired him, thinking that this brilliant
artist and songwriter would gradually lose his memories and cognitive abilities.
However, in a twist of events, it turned out that Kristofferson's memory issues weren't
due to Alzheimer's at all.
After several years of living with the presumed Alzheimer's diagnosis, further medical evaluation
revealed that he was actually suffering from Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through
the bite of infected black-legged ticks.
The symptoms can vary widely and can sometimes mimic other diseases, leading to misdiagnoses.
Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph
nodes.
If left untreated, it can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system, causing
a wide array of complications, including cognitive issues similar to what Kristofferson was experiencing.
After the correct diagnosis was made, Kristofferson underwent treatment for Lyme disease.
Many of his symptoms, including the memory issues, improved significantly.
This was a profound relief for him and his loved ones, as Lyme disease, when identified
and treated appropriately, can often lead to full recovery or significant improvements,
unlike the irreversible progression of Alzheimer's.
Kris Kristofferson's health journey underscores the importance of comprehensive medical evaluations
and, when needed, seeking second or third opinions.
It also brings attention to the broader issue of Lyme disease, which can be misdiagnosed
due to its varied and sometimes elusive symptoms.
Awareness of the disease, its transmission, and its symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis
and treatment.
Early Years Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas,
Kristofferson was the son of an Air Force major general.
Due to his father's profession, Kris moved around quite a bit during his youth, spending
time in various states.
From an early age, he showed a propensity for writing, literature, and music.
Kris was a gifted student and excelled academically.
He attended Pomona College in California, where he majored in literature and graduated
in 1958.
His early love for writing was evident, as he was recognized with the honor of being
named a Rhodes Scholar to Oxford University.
While at Oxford, Kris continued his studies in literature at Merton College and began
to show a deeper interest in songwriting.
Upon returning to the U.S. from Oxford, Kris joined the Army under the pressures of his
family’s military background.
He became a helicopter pilot, a skill that would play a significant role in a famous
story from his music career later on.
After leaving the Army in the mid-1960s, Kris decided to pursue a career in music, against
the wishes of his family.
He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, which was (and still is) the epicenter of country music.
Kris struggled initially, taking on various jobs to make ends meet.
He worked as a janitor at Columbia Recording Studios and also took up helicopter piloting
jobs.
However, his real aim was to get his songs heard.
His breakthrough as a songwriter came when Roger Miller recorded "Me and Bobby McGee,"
which became a hit.
This opened the doors for Kris, and soon after, other artists like Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash,
and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded his songs.
However, the most legendary tale from his early Nashville days involves him landing
a helicopter in Johnny Cash’s yard to hand-deliver his demo.
Although Cash wasn’t home at the time, this audacious move certainly made an impression.
The two would later become close friends and collaborators.
Career Highlights
Kris Kristofferson has had a multifaceted career, leaving an indelible mark on both
the music and film industries.
Here are some highlights from his illustrious journey.
Before gaining recognition as a performer, Kristofferson was already a respected songwriter.
His compositions became hits for other artists.
Songs such as "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" (a hit for Johnny Cash), "For the Good Times"
(Ray Price), and "Me and Bobby McGee" (posthumously made famous by Janis Joplin) showcased his
lyrical prowess and deep storytelling abilities.
Throughout his career, Kristofferson released numerous albums, with some like "Kristofferson,"
"The Silver Tongued Devil and I," and "Jesus Was a Capricorn" earning critical acclaim.
He was a member of The Highwaymen, a country supergroup alongside Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson,
and Waylon Jennings.
Their albums, including "Highwayman" and "Highwayman 2", are milestones in country music history.
He has also had a prominent film career.
One of the most memorable roles of his acting career was opposite Barbra Streisand in the
1976 musical drama, "A Star Is Born".
His portrayal of John Norman Howard earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Over the years, Kristofferson appeared in a diverse range of films including "Alice
Doesn't Live Here Anymore", the "Blade" trilogy where he played Whistler, and "Pat Garrett
and Billy the Kid".
Over the course of his career, Kristofferson received numerous accolades.
This includes several Grammy Awards, particularly for his songwriting.
In 2004, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in
the pantheon of country music greats.
Additionally, he's been honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement
Award from the Grammy organization.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Kristofferson has been known for his activism.
He was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and has consistently advocated for the rights
of farmers, Native Americans, and the broader working class.
He's performed at numerous benefit concerts and has often used his platform to draw attention
to social issues.
Personal Life Kris Kristofferson's personal life is as rich
and multifaceted as his professional career.
Over the years, he has experienced highs and lows, marriages and family life, and personal
battles, all while leaving a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
Kris's first marriage was to Frances Mavia Beer in 1960.
The couple had two children together, Tracy and Kris, before their divorce in 1969.
Kris's second marriage was to fellow singer Rita Coolidge.
They were a prominent musical duo in the 1970s, releasing several albums together.
Their personal and professional collaborations led to some hit songs.
The pair had one daughter, Casey, before divorcing in 1980.
Kris married Lisa Meyers in 1983, and the couple has been together ever since.
They have five children: Johnny, Blake, Jesse, Jody, and Kelly.
One of the most significant personal relationships in Kris's life was his friendship with Johnny
Cash.
The two met when Kris was trying to make a name for himself in Nashville.
As mentioned earlier, Kris famously landed a helicopter in Cash's yard to pitch him a
song.
While the stunt didn't immediately pay off, it did mark the beginning of a long-lasting
friendship and collaboration.
The two, along with Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, later formed the supergroup The Highwaymen
in the 1980s.
Kris has openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse in the past.
In the 1970s, at the height of his fame, he battled with alcohol and drugs.
He eventually sought help and overcame these challenges, using these experiences to inform
some of his songwriting.
Kristofferson has often spoken about his spiritual beliefs, which have been a source of inspiration
in his songwriting.
Raised in a devout family, he became more introspective about his faith as he grew older.
His songs often touch upon themes of redemption, grace, and the search for meaning.
Now it’s time to hear from you.
What’s your favorite memory of Kris Kristofferson?
Let us know in the comments section below!