Kris Kristofferson, a towering figure in country music and an acclaimed actor, has died at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully at his home in Maui on September 28, surrounded by family, who shared the news in a heartfelt post on Instagram.

In their statement, Kristofferson’s loved ones expressed their sorrow and requested privacy during this challenging time. They reflected on the joy of having him in their lives, stating, “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.”

Kristofferson’s career as a singer-songwriter was nothing short of remarkable. He earned 13 Grammy nominations throughout his lifetime, winning three, including the prestigious award for Best Country Song for his classic “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” Additionally, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song Score for the film “Songwriter,” which he co-created with fellow musician Willie Nelson.

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One of his most beloved songs, “Me and Bobby McGee,” initially recorded by Roger Miller, reached iconic status when Janis Joplin covered it. The song soared to the top of the Billboard charts posthumously in 1971, solidifying Kristofferson’s impact on the music scene.

Beyond his musical achievements, Kris Kristofferson showcased his talent on the silver screen, most notably in the 1976 film “A Star Is Born,” where he played the troubled musician John Norman Howard alongside Barbra Streisand. His performance garnered a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. He also appeared in various films, including “Payback” (1999) and the original “Blade” trilogy, as well as in Martin Scorsese’s “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974).

Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson was a scholar, having studied at Pomona College and Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. His early career included serving as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army before he ventured into the world of music, where he crossed paths with legends like Johnny Cash.

Despite facing challenges with alcoholism and substance abuse, Kristofferson became a voice for social change, championing causes such as workers’ rights, immigration reform, and farmers’ issues. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2014.

Kris Kristofferson is survived by his wife, Lisa, along with eight children and seven grandchildren.