The country music world and the film industry are in mourning as the legendary Kris Kristofferson has passed away at the age of 88. The vibrant, trailblazing hitmaker left an indelible mark on both fields, captivating audiences and earning accolades that cemented his status as an icon. Kristofferson died on Saturday, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and film that will endure for generations to come.

Just a month before his passing, Kristofferson put his picturesque ranch on Northern California’s Mendocino Coast on the market for an eye-catching $17.2 million. It’s a testament to his storied life—an artist who enjoyed the fruits of his labor in a setting as beautiful as the songs he wrote. However, as reported by *Variety*, no cause of death has been publicly disclosed.

Kristofferson announced his retirement in 2021, stating that he had slowly stepped back from the spotlight. This was no easy decision for a man who lived for the stage and the song, but it signaled the beginning of a well-deserved rest after a life filled with creativity and accomplishment.

Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson’s passion for music blossomed early on. He was surrounded by the sounds of country and Norteño music, which he credited as a profound influence on his songwriting. “I always felt that it was the Rio Grande Valley that got the music going in my brain,” he once reflected. At the tender age of 11, he penned his first song, humorously titled “I Hate Your Ugly Face.” This early glimpse into his songwriting ability hinted at the depth and soul he would bring to his future work.