Kris Kristofferson, who died on Saturday, had an unlikely friendship with Taylor Swift for years, ever since they met at the CMAs in 2009.
Kris Kristofferson and Taylor Swift developed a special friendship years before his untimely death.
The singer-songwriter – best known for his role in “A Star Is Born” in 1976 – died “peacefully” at his home in Maui, HI, over the weekend. He was 88.
“We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all,” his family said in a statement.
Kristofferson was beloved by many celebrities and legends in the music industry –– including Swift.
The “Me and Bobby McGee” writer and the “Cruel Summer” singer’s friendship began back in 2009 when Kristofferson presented Swift with one of the several awards she won at the 43rd Annual Country Music Awards.
The following year, they grew an even deeper bond while attending and performing at a benefit concert for Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame in Los Angeles.
Swift, who was 20 at the time, publicly declared her admiration for Kristofferson by telling the audience –– which included Kristofferson, Lionel Richie and Vince Gill –– “These are the best role models I could have,” according to a 2010 Los Angeles Times story.
