Kris Kristofferson never imagined he would live past 30 after ex Joplin's death

Kris Kristofferson previously revealed that he never thought he would live past 30 following the death of his ex-partner Janis Joplin.

The prolific country music icon and Hollywood actor, who died peacefully at his Maui home on September 28 at the age of 88, was previously open about his alcohol problems.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Kristofferson was a heavy drinker, during which time he also dated fellow singer Janis Joplin, who was trying to kick her heroin addiction. Joplin died in 1970 at the age of 27 as a result of her addiction.

Kristofferson spoke with People In 1998, about his drinking problems and what led to him finally getting sober.

Newsweek emailed a spokesperson for Kristofferson on Monday seeking comment outside of normal business hours.

“It tore me apart,” Kristofferson said upon news of Joplin's death, but it didn't convince him to stop drinking. “I was a functioning alcoholic.”

“For a few years it was Jack Daniels, then tequila, then everything else. When I was performing, I couldn’t imagine standing up and drinking without drinking.”

The actor explained that he saw his character in the 1976 remake A star is born Death on screen eventually encouraged him to get sober as he wanted to be there for his loved ones.

“I had a pint of Jose Cuervo in my fridge that they never let empty. I remember feeling like this could very easily have been because my wife and children were crying over me. I stopped drinking about it. I didn't want to die before.” “My daughter has grown up,” Kristofferson explained.

Speaking about his life with his family in Hawaii, he added: “I could never have imagined this. I sit here and think about how things could have turned out so differently. I never thought I would live past 30. I could have ended up standing up dead.

The musician met his wife Lisa Meyers in 1982, not long after he got sober. In addition to Kristofferson's three children from previous marriages, the couple welcomed five children.

Kristofferson's family announced his death on Instagram on September 29th.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our husband/father/grandfather Kris Kristofferson passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 28th. We are all so blessed for our time with him. “Thank you for loving him all these many years and when you see a rainbow you know he's smiling down on us all,” they wrote.

The Rhodes scholar turned country music superstar left an indelible mark on American culture. Beginning in the late 1960s, Kristofferson wrote classics such as “Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down,” “Help Me Make it Through the Night” and the iconic “Me and Bobby McGee.”

Kristofferson's influence extended far beyond his entertainment career. Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, highlighted the musician's philosophical approach to his own artistry.

“Kris Kristofferson believed that creativity is God-given and that those who ignore such a gift are doomed to misfortune. He preached that living in the spirit 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,” Young said.

In his later years, Kristofferson retired from performing and recording in 2021. However, he made a memorable appearance at Willie Nelson's 90th birthday party at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023, appearing alongside Roseanne Cash.