His family shared a statement to 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. 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.

Kris Kristofferson, born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and actor whose influence spans multiple decades. He is best known for his contributions to country music and his work in Hollywood. Kristofferson was raised in a military family; his father was a U.S. Air Force major general. This upbringing instilled in him a sense of discipline, and he excelled academically. He earned a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University, where he developed a passion for literature and music, particularly the works of William Blake and Hank Williams. Upon completing his studies, Kristofferson followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Army, eventually becoming a helicopter pilot. However, his love for songwriting grew, and he left the military to pursue music.

In the 1960s, Kristofferson moved to Nashville, where he struggled to establish himself in the competitive country music scene. He took on odd jobs, including janitorial work at Columbia Records, where he famously pitched his songs to music executives.

His breakthrough came in 1970 when his songs “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and “For the Good Times” became massive hits, performed by artists like Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, and Ray Price, respectively. Beyond songwriting, Kristofferson carved out a successful career as a performer and recording artist. His debut album Kristofferson (1970) received critical praise, and he became a key figure in the “outlaw country” movement alongside Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings. Together, they formed the supergroup The Highwaymen, further cementing his legacy in country music