Country music star Kris Kristofferson is dead.

Kris Kristofferson, popular prolific country singer and actor has passed at the age of 88.

Kristofferson’s family confirmed his death on Sunday night and released a statement, saying he “passed away peacefully”.

“We’re all so blessed for our time with him,” read the statement, which was signed by his wife Lisa, his eight children and seven grandchildren. “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 was admired for the grit, emotional vulnerability and literary craft of his music. He frequently topped the US country charts and cover versions of his songs were hits for artists including Janis Joplin, Gladys Knight and Johnny Cash.

His songwriting career made him a staple in country music, with hits like ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’, ‘For the Good Times’ and ‘Help Me Make It Through the Night’.

The late singer won three Grammy Awards, including one for best country song “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and two duet wins with his ex-wife, Rita Coolidge.

In the mid-70s, he worked with film directors including Martin Scorsese and Sam Peckinpah, and won a Golden Globe for his work opposite Barbra Streisand in the 1976 remake of A Star is Born.

Streisand paid tribute to the legend on Instagram saying “It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved”.

Dolly Parton, who performed duets with Kristofferson such as From Here to the Moon and Back, wrote: “What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly.”

Country singer Reba McEntire wrote: “What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favourite people.”

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