Kris Kristofferson Announces His Retirement

84-year old country and songwriting legend, actor, veteran, and Country Music Hall of Famer Kris Kristofferson has officially retired from performing. The decision was made in 2020, but was previously unannounced, and comes as the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to most touring over the past year. It marks the end of a 50-year era for one of the most revered and talented songwriters in history.
On Wednesday (1-27), it was announced that the Kris Kristofferson estate had signed with Morris Higham Management, which also manages the estate of Roger Miller, and the careers of more contemporary artists such as Kenny Chesney and Brantley Gilbert. Long time publicist and manager Tamara Saviano stays on board as public relations director. Also, Kris Kristofferson’s son John is stepping up to oversee the family business overall.
“It’s been amazing to dig in to my dad’s catalog and history with this seasoned group of professionals. [Morris Higham Management] and Tamara are experts on everything from old Nashville to the up and comers, and I can’t imagine a better partnership to bring the full depth of his songwriting to a new generation. The name has always been synonymous with songwriting as an art, and we’re excited to reintroduce his work to new and old fans alike. We have many exciting projects in the works and I look forward to getting them out into the world.”
However, along with the news was confirmation that Kris Kristofferson had chosen to retire in 2020. This was confirmed via Tamara Saviano.
From songs like the 1970 CMA Song of the Year “Sunday Morning Coming Down” recorded by Johnny Cash, to Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” Kris Kristofferson defined what a song was for generations, and still does by continuing to influence composers across all genres. The Rhodes Scholar, military officer, helicopter pilot, and Army Ranger defied his family when he moved to Nashville to be a songwriter, and ended up becoming one of the greatest in history.
Along with his achievements in music—including being a member of the iconic Highwaymen, earning the 2019 CMA Lifetime Achievement Award, winning 3 Grammy Awards, and being inducted in every major songwriters Hall of Fame—Kris Kristofferson also acted in some 70 films throughout his career. A well-respected performer as well—whether fronting a band, or playing acoustic by himself—Kristofferson enthralled audiences for decades.
In 2016, Kristofferson’s wife Lisa addressed concerns about her husband forgetting lyrics in performances that led to rumors of Alzheimer’s. Kristofferson’s memory loss was actually the cause of a medication imbalance. A Lyme Disease diagnosis that set the performer on the right path. It is believed that Kristofferson contracted the disease in Vermont when he was filming the 2006 movie Disappearances. His role required Kristofferson to spend hours crawling around on the forest floor, likely resulting in the bite from an infected tick.
Kris Kristofferson continued to perform throughout 2019, leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, including being backed by members of Merle Haggard’s original band, The Strangers. In November of 2019 when he was to be awarded the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award by the CMA’s, Kristofferson instead decided to play a theater show in Davenport, Iowa, speaking to the commitment he had with his fans.
However, this is not the last we’ve heard from Kris Kristofferson. With the new management structure, the estate plans numerous upcoming projects to keep Kris Kristofferson’s name alive.
You’ve done more than your fair share for music, Kris Kristofferson. Now rest easy for a job well done.
January 27, 2021 @ 11:56 am
I blame it on the Stones.
December 28, 2022 @ 8:32 pm
I love the talen that is Kris Kristofferon!!! I am still hoping to sing one song with him, “SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN”, a favorite of mine and my father,I hope Kris sees this post. I Love Kris Kristofferon, a legend!!!!!!!
January 27, 2021 @ 12:00 pm
On one hand, I’m not surprised at his age but at the same time, I’m sad that another music legend (not just country) will be taking a step back.
January 27, 2021 @ 12:05 pm
One of the coolest guys ever.
January 27, 2021 @ 12:13 pm
Kristofferson is a definitive “self-actualizer” as defined by Abraham Maslow. He always became the most he could be. Student became Rhodes Scholar. Soldier became Ranger. Aspiring songwriter pushing a broom in a studio becomes one of the greatest songwriters in American history.
January 27, 2021 @ 12:53 pm
Good point.
January 27, 2021 @ 1:50 pm
This is completely off-topic, Trigger, but are you able to adjust the copyright year at the bottom of your articles? It is still showing 2020, which you probably don’t want!
January 27, 2021 @ 1:59 pm
Ah, thanks for the reminder!
January 27, 2021 @ 12:51 pm
I will miss him and the thrill of watching for upcoming concerts. He is one of the GREATS…..Kris, you deserve a wonderfully restful and full retirement. You have given your best to us and you will ALWAYS be in my heart. I listen to you on Spotify every day. I have been in your concerts from your very early days until now. Know you are loved and so admired. Live well Kris Kristofferson!
January 27, 2021 @ 1:00 pm
I was in Rehab with him on Long Island NY. in 1980, Sweet Guy!!
January 28, 2021 @ 1:09 am
Thanks to be the OST of our life, Kris.
Always with your music in the heart.
July 25, 2022 @ 8:13 am
Yes, he IS a sweet guy. I had heard he had several tries at rehab — not for alcohol per se, which he gave up in 1976, but for the persistent depression that he kept taking other chemicals for, particularly large quantities of marijuana. Kris was addicted to seeking oblivion. I heard he ultimately found salvation through the extended family fellowship of AA.
January 27, 2021 @ 1:00 pm
The greatest songwriter ever, in my mind. Saw him many times in concert and they never failed to amaze me! If you ever need someone to sit around and pick with, I am there!
January 27, 2021 @ 1:13 pm
Kris Kristofferson and Mary Chapin Carpenter have written the poetry of my life. I’ve never missed a local concert of either, including the one at Temple University Ambler, PA when someone broke into Rita and Kris’ Hotel room (and my friends accused me!). We saw and heard Kris YEARS ago in Knoxville, TN, when we were on a road trip with friends, and saw a sign advertising his appearance. It was a big old dusty wood paneled tavern and we were among the dozen or so customers—most of whom walked out when he started to sing. I wish I had taken the opportunity to thank him, for sticking it out for the few who remained to enjoy the experience. The last was at the Keswick in Glenside, PA, shortly before Covid. A memory that I will always cherish. Kris is undoubtedly the Poet Laureate Extraordinaire. Thank, for a life lived in all the colors and tones and shades, and shared with the people who listen and will continue to listen.
January 27, 2021 @ 3:15 pm
In July 2019 I traveled from Brazil to London to see a show by kris kristofferson in Hyde Park. It was amazing to see my idol on stage. I am proud to have done this.
January 27, 2021 @ 1:15 pm
I thought Kristofferson was great as Billy the Kid in Pat Garret and Billy the Kid.
January 27, 2021 @ 6:58 pm
Yes, he was quite good in that role, alongside James Coburn, who portrayed Garrett, and under the direction of Sam Peckinpah. I would actually argue that PAT GARRETT AND BILLY THE KID was the very best Western film of the 1970’s, in no small part because of Kristofferson’s performance in it.
January 27, 2021 @ 8:47 pm
Not bad music, either. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by co-star Bob Dylan.
January 27, 2021 @ 1:16 pm
I had lunch with Kris in Redding many years ago. He is such a sweet guy. Saw him a couple of years ago with the Strangers, and he was wonderful. I was hoping for one more tour. Thank for the good times!
January 27, 2021 @ 1:18 pm
Ah man. I just listened to “Border Lord” and “Lovin’ Her Was Easier” today. Another one of my favorites that I missed out on seeing in my life. Merle being another I wish I had seen. I hope he enjoys retirement.
January 27, 2021 @ 1:18 pm
What a story this guy has! I see a movie at some point, the things this guy has seen and been a part of is unreal. A legend in every sense of the word. To Beat the Devil still gives me chills everytime i hear it.
January 27, 2021 @ 1:31 pm
Sad that I will never again be able to see/hear him in concert but he will forever be in my ears & thoughts.
January 27, 2021 @ 1:32 pm
Number ONE definitely. Thanks Chris
January 27, 2021 @ 1:39 pm
My hero, my crush, my idol since my early 20’s. I love this man; I will miss him.
January 28, 2021 @ 12:34 pm
Like George Jones said,,” who’s going to fill their shoes” NOBODY!. Those outlaws were the best !!
January 27, 2021 @ 1:51 pm
He’s earned it after such a great career
January 27, 2021 @ 2:01 pm
“Sunday Morning Comin’ Down” has to be considered one of the greatest country songs ever written.
January 27, 2021 @ 2:26 pm
Thank you Kris Kristofferson for sharing your many talents with us! I literally love you ~ Always a fan ❤️
January 27, 2021 @ 3:58 pm
Happy retirement to the best sidekick a vampire-killing badass can have!!!
January 27, 2021 @ 4:04 pm
I attended almost every one of Kris’s concerts in Toronto and neighbouring cities since the 70’s. I always wished for one more chance to see and hear him, but I guess I will just have to rely on my beautiful memories and my many CDs. Thanks for a lifetime of song, Kris, the music of my life.
January 27, 2021 @ 4:16 pm
When the Army assigned him to teach English at West Point, he resigned his commission as he considered the post a waste of his Ranger training. When he told his parents and wife that he was going to Nashville to be a songwriter, they thought he had gone crazy.
January 27, 2021 @ 5:12 pm
Would’ve been a helluva course, though.
January 27, 2021 @ 5:11 pm
First saw him with Rita in OKC after Silver Devil album came out. About 1972. Saw him sgsim with Merle at Riverwind in Norman, ok and then on last time again at Riverwind..
January 27, 2021 @ 5:24 pm
I’ll miss him.
He has been a force of nature for decades
He was a true Renaissance man
January 27, 2021 @ 6:07 pm
Him and Rita, Montreal 72?
Front row. Bought 10 tickets to give away to some that didn’t know him.. Love you bud. Easy Does It…
January 27, 2021 @ 6:31 pm
He has pretty much done it all.
January 27, 2021 @ 6:34 pm
Kris is the consummate writer, singer and actor- one of my favorite songs to sing is, El Coyote- obscure, but cool as hell. Also a favorite is, Here Comes the Sunshine- there is a you tube video of him playing that to a room full of empty suits in the District of Criminals- he explained, he and John Steinbeck wrote it- referring to, of course, The grapes of Wrath-
He and Willie will live forever- both Masters of performing and writing-
January 28, 2021 @ 6:02 am
My bad, the song is “Here Comes the Rainbow”
January 27, 2021 @ 6:40 pm
Kris and his music can never be replicated.
I have seen every show he has done in Ontario.
He captured my heart when I heard him sing “Why Me Lord”
My father played that record over and over.
Kris will be missed.
January 27, 2021 @ 8:49 pm
I saw Kris on his 1st tour circa 1971 at the Bitter End in the West Village. Carly Simon was the opening act. Kris invited his friend in the audience to come onto the stage and play a few tunes, calling him (an unknown John Prine) a great songwriter. And so he did, singing a few unforgettable songs, including “Angel From Montgomery” and “Sam Stone.” Now that’s a night to remember.
January 27, 2021 @ 10:44 pm
Wow. I’m greatly saddened by this news. Such a great talent. May the rest of his life be as wonderful as he has made mine with his songs.
January 27, 2021 @ 10:59 pm
I have for 50 years been waiting to hear if someone could make a song that’d beat Kris’ Sunday Morning Coming Down. None! Noone’s either been able to write lyrics like Kris have done. I’m so happy to have lived breathing the same air as he for so many decades. Thank You, Sir! Enjoy your retirement!
January 28, 2021 @ 6:09 am
I was watching a video recently of the Highwaymen in a studio rehearsing and Kris made a statement during one of the interludes where they were interviewing the individuals, that Chet Atkins told somebody that if he wanted to be a song writer to learn to write like Kristofferson-
He’s a poet he’s a picker he’s a prophet he’s a pusher
D7 G
He’s a pilgrim and a preacher and a problem when he’s stoned
C G
He’s a walking contradiction partly truth and partly fiction
D7 G
Taking every wrong direction on his lonely way back home
January 27, 2021 @ 11:29 pm
He’s absolutely wonderful. I’ll miss him
January 28, 2021 @ 3:43 am
Great Man one of the Best Songwriters ever if not the Best a Great Actor and puts on one Hell of a Concert I got to see Mr Kristofferson when he was touring with the late Great Merle Haggard in Cherokee North Carolina what a Concert never will forget it I’ve been to a lot of Concerts in my 61 years I’ll have to put that in the top 5 hate to see him retire but he deserves it he’s had a Great Career
January 28, 2021 @ 4:29 am
Hello to you Mr. Kris Krisofferson I find it most interesting that after all these years of greatness and hard work doing what you loved most and the best in life as a young man climbing to the hight’s in so many fields of music as well as acting you have made that decision to finally retire and hopefully find your place like so many other before you did.
I would truly wonder if you actually get to read any of these thoughts that others leave on here for you, It’s now 4:15 in the am; here in Calgary Alberta and yes I would have a lot to convey to you as you might not even remember but you and I do truly go back many years ago in the radio and T V; and the music industry, But I find it is time to call it a day and shut it down for now. So if by any chance it would be truthful honour to magically hear back from you,so super CHEERS and enjoy your retirement as at my age of only 77 I’m still facing the daily grind and working.
January 28, 2021 @ 5:07 am
I have been a fan since the first album. All that is needed by us, but not him, is his story in his words.
If not an autobiography, an authorized biography would suffice.
January 28, 2021 @ 5:34 am
Kris Kristofferson and Hank Williams. Best songwriters ever.
January 28, 2021 @ 6:10 am
Simply the greatest.
January 28, 2021 @ 6:48 am
Just happy after hearing this that we got to see one of his final shows last year on the outlaw cruise.
Hope live shows return soon cause you never know.
January 28, 2021 @ 8:31 am
Best rugby player in the history of American musicians.
Then I headed back for home
And somewhere far away a lonesome bell was ringin’
And it echoed through the canyons
Like the disappearing dreams of yesterday
January 28, 2021 @ 9:50 am
What a Humanitarian and a prolific writer of songs that have seen the test of time and all the memories that will be attributed to the music not to mention the Babies that were made to the songs lol
Thank you Kris you are a true HIGHWAY MAN
LOVE YOU JIMI
January 28, 2021 @ 9:53 am
Hey Kris just one more for the road ?
January 28, 2021 @ 10:13 am
I am age 82 and have adorned Cris is music & acting. I now over the last 40 years have lived in beautiful COSTA ???????? RICA.
January 28, 2021 @ 10:42 am
He is my favorite songwriter and singer, one that only comes around every few generations and to cross many generations. From my mother to my grandchildren everyone knows who Kris is. My first concert of his was when I was 15 and last was 2016 or 2017. I’ve fell in love with him as an actor from Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. Who is that long hair, eyes that are soulful yet can touch your soul at the same time, soft spoken man. I’ve only seen him in concert 6-7 times. He is amazing. My favorite song of all time Pilgrim/ Chapter 33. He is a great person and strove for the Best of All Possible Words. Thank you for your military service and the service of your songwriting.
January 28, 2021 @ 11:28 am
I too have been lucky to have seen Kris in person quite a few times. Best time for me was in Pittsburgh Pa. Point State Park, not sure of the year. Kris played acoustic for hours. It brought me to tears a couple times! He was being very prolific and talked about his life and friends he had and lost. Wonderful ❤️
May 15, 2022 @ 2:23 pm
Kris is a genius songwriter and best in the whole world. There’s nothing he can’t do from Rhodes scholar, helicopter pilot, great actor singer. I’ve had a crush on him since first time I saw him on TV.
January 28, 2021 @ 1:45 pm
I saw Kris & Merle in a small tour thru Houston…when I told him I loved his songs he gave me a bear hug…
January 28, 2021 @ 1:48 pm
I love Kris, but there’s no reason that he should keep performing until he’s dead. People retire. So do famous people with followings. I’m glad I got to see him. Three times, actually: twice with the Highwaymen and once on his own–at Radio City Music Hall, opening for George Jones (a somewhat unexpected pairing).
January 28, 2021 @ 3:07 pm
There will never be another Kris Kristofferson. Love all the songs he has written. Love you Kriss
January 29, 2021 @ 8:16 am
Again one of the greatest!
January 29, 2021 @ 2:02 pm
I heard “Sunday morning coming down” when driving toward the ocean from Boyle Heights, where I dropped someone off. I sat right behind him during part of a Doug Weston’s Troubadour show soon afterwards, in 1970, when Billy Swan was onstage. {Billy had never been fondled, said Kris.} His back was so bony it was scary. I was sure he was about to die from smoking and general neglect of himself. 50 years! We saw him a few years ago, probably when he was suffering from Lyme disease.
August 15, 2021 @ 1:54 pm
I fell in love with Kris after seeing him in, ‘A Star is Born.’ I was just 16 when I saw him perform with Rita Cooledge at the Royal Albert Hall. After the concert I waited at the stage door and managed to touch his arm as he came out wearing a silk shirt. I was crazy about him and collected most of his albums. I even wrote poetry about him and his songs, one entitled, ‘If I were Bobby McGee’. It brings back so many special memories. Thank you Kris for writing such beautiful songs.
July 21, 2022 @ 6:03 pm
Quite simply the songwriters’ songwriter. So many good songs to choose from. “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down” the most soul-searing delineation set to music of loneliness and despair ever written. No one will ever write a greater song. “To Beat The Devil” not far behind. Who else can write phrases like “There were other lonely singers in a world turned deaf and blind who were crucified for what they tried to show; and their voices have been scattered by the swirling winds of time, ’cause the truth remains that no one wants to know.” Nobody else, that’s who. “The Pilgrim, Chapter 33”; “The Silver-Tongued Devil and I” “Me and Bobby McGee”, “Chase the Feeling”, “Moment of Forever” “Worth Fighting For” Why Me, Lord” ” “New Game Now” “This Old Road” “Lovin’ Her Was Easier” “Pilgrim’s Progress” “Please Don’t Tell Me How The Story Ends” “Broken Freedom Song” The man did 2 90 minute shows back to back as CMA HOF Artist In Residence and only repeated 3 songs. Who else has a catalogue like that?