How Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton and Martin Scorsese pay tribute to Kris Kristofferson

NEW YORK (AP) — The singer-songwriter and actor died Saturday at age 88 at his home in Hawaii surrounded by his family.

“When I first saw Kris perform at the Troubadour Club in LA, I knew he was special.”
— Barbra Streisand, Kristofferson's co-star in “A Star is Born,” on X and Instagram

“Right now I'm on a small boat between Ustica and Palermo, listening to 'Me and Bobby McGee' and remembering Kris Kristofferson. Just like half the world. I was lucky enough to work with Kris. He was a poet. Really. Inside and outside. And a damn good actor, a remarkable screen presence. Spending time with Kris while filming Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore was one of the highlights of my life.”
— Martin Scorsese in a statement

“We lost a fellow highwayman today. Good luck, Kris.”
– Kristofferson's bandmate Jimmy Webb, on X and Facebook

“I loved this man, his talent, his mind and his beautiful heart. Have a safe trip, my friend.”
—Melissa Etheridge on X

“What a great loss. What a great author. What a great actor. What a great friend. I’ll always love you, Dolly.”
— Dolly Parton on X

Kris Kristofferson speaks as Dolly Parton looks on at the 2003 BMI Country Music Awards. Photo by Frank Mullen/WireImage

“Kris Kristofferson believed that creativity was given by God and that those who ignore such a gift are doomed to misfortune. He preached that a spiritual life gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul but to our souls as well. He leaves behind an impressive legacy.”
– Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, in a statement

“An epic human being with the biggest heart. You will be missed so much. Be quiet, my friend.”
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian on X

“What a gentleman, a kind soul and a lover of words. I'm so glad I got to meet him and be close to him. One of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Kris.”
— Reba McEntire on X

“Poet, lovely person, street savant, redneck of the old school.”
—Josh Brolin on Instagram

“I liked this legend so much when we worked on Dreamer together. What an honor to have spent time in his presence.”
– Dakota Fanning on Instagram

“I will never forget his support for me when I received my first CMA award for Male Vocalist of the Year. His friendship and encouragement helped validate my career in country music and my place in Nashville.”
— Lee Greenwood in a statement

“In my opinion, Kris was one of the greatest songwriters of all time. An incredible role model for me with my own writing. A hero and a great, great man. I will miss him terribly.”
— Lacy J. Dalton in a statement

“I loved Kris Kristofferson. He was a beacon of everything I value most in this world. He's the only songwriter I know – and I know most of them – who changed the entire landscape of country music through the sheer power of his poetry.
— Marshall Chapman on Facebook

“When the Oak Ridge Boys were looking for a way to advance our careers, we heard the music of Kris Kristofferson. The stories in his songs were things we experienced. Then he wrote, “Why me, Lord.” As we heard this song, the message became clear to us. It confirmed to us that we were on the right path. We love Kris and his wonderful family. Please remember her in your prayers.”
— Duane Allen in a statement

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Kris and performing and participating in a number of events with him over the years. He was absolutely a delight. He was also a genius.”
– Sam Moore of Sam and Dave, in a statement

“Kris was always so nice to me. They would throw us into the cornfield together during “Hee Haw.” These are some of my fondest memories. My prayers for his family.”
— Lulu Roman in a statement

“It's very rare in life that you get to share the stage with a real hero. Kris Kristofferson was a hero of mine, and I can remember almost every detail of the evening I played piano while Kris sang “Help Me Make it Through the Night” at the Grand Ole Opry. What a writer, and there was so much emotion in his voice when he sang. It was raw, raw and true. RIP, Kris. There will never be another like you.”
— Tim Atwood in a statement