Country Music Legend Kris Kristofferson Dead at 88

Kris Kristofferson — the legendary country singer and star of the 1976 version of “A Star Is Born” — has died, according to a statement released by his family.

The singer-songwriter passed away peacefully Saturday at his home, according to the statement. The family says they feel bless with all the time they spent with the star. They did not reveal a cause of death.

The statement also tells fans “when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all” … seemingly a reference to his song “Here Comes That Rainbow Again.”

Kristofferson broke into the music industry in the early 1970s mainly as a songwriter … penning tracks for hit artists like Johnny Cash, Ray Price and Janis Joplin.

He then started putting out his own tracks … starting with his debut album “Kristofferson” in 1970. In 1972, he released “Jesus is a Capricorn” which contained the song “Why Me” — KK’s first #1 country hit.

He also had a successful acting career … most notably appearing alongside “Barbra Streisand” in the movie “A Star Is Born” in 1976.

Kristofferson is survived by Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly and Blake.

He was 88.