Kris Krostofferson | Source: Getty Images
Kris Kristofferson lived a full life surrounded by love thanks to his eight kids. Although the legendary singer-songwriter has passed away, his legacy lives on through his remarkable family. Here’s a closer look at his sons and daughters.
Kris Kristofferson was not only a legendary singer-songwriter and actor but also a devoted father to eight children. He shared daughter Tracy and son Kris Jr. with his high school sweetheart, Frances Beer. After the couple’s split, he welcomed his third child, Casey, with his second wife, singer Rita Coolidge.
Kris Kristofferson, circa 1970. | Source: Getty Images
Later, after he and Rita divorced, he found lasting love with Lisa Meyers, with whom he had four more children. The beloved musician passed away peacefully at home on September 28 at 88. Meet the eight
children
he left behind and discover the lives they’ve built beyond their father’s incredible career.
Kris Kristofferson performing during NSAI 50 Years of Songs on September 20, 2017, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
Tracy Kristofferson
Tracy Kristofferson
, 62, born on January 9, 1962, in Parker County, Texas, made a name for herself in the entertainment industry as both an
actress and producer
.
Best known for her roles in “Trouble in Mind” in 1985, “Night of the Cyclone” in 1990, and “A Place to Grow” in 1995, Tracy took after her famous father in pursuing a career in film.
Tracy Kristofferson, Rita Coolidge, and Kris Kristofferson at the premiere of “A Star is Born” in December 1976. | Source: Getty Images
However, despite her early success in Hollywood, Tracy preferred to lead a quieter life and has remained largely out of the limelight in recent years. In addition to her professional endeavors, she faced significant challenges in her personal life. In 1982, at the age of 20, she was involved in a serious motorcycle accident.
Kris and Tracy Kristofferson at the 38th birthday party for Diana Ross on March 26, 1982, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Tracy had been riding as a passenger on a motorcycle driven by Olympic gold medalist Eric Heiden, when he suddenly braked to avoid hitting a dog, causing a crash. The accident, which took place near Lancaster, California, left Tracy severely injured.
Kris and Tracy Kristofferson at the premiere of “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe” on October 8, 1991, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Her father, Kris, was in Sweden, about to begin a European tour, when he received the distressing news. Without hesitation, Kris canceled his performances and rushed back to California to be with Tracy.
Kris and Tracy Kristofferson at the 27th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 29, 1992, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Speaking about the situation, Kris expressed the depth of his love for his daughter,
saying
, “My daughters mean everything in the world to me.” Tracy eventually recovered from the accident.
Tracy Kristofferson, Kris Kristofferson, and Lisa Meyers at the Cesar Chavez 2015 Legacy Awards on March 26 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Kris Kristofferson Jr.
Kris Kristofferson Jr., 56, born on January 20, 1968, is Tracy’s younger brother and Kris Kristofferson’s eldest
son
from his first marriage to Frances.
Unlike his sister, Kris Jr. has chosen to remain almost entirely out of the public eye, making very few appearances or engaging in any media attention. Despite being the child of one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of the 20th century, Kris Jr. preferred a life away from the limelight.
Tracy Kristofferson, Lisa Meyers, Kris Kristofferson, and Kris Kristofferson, Jr. at the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Fundraiser Party on March 31, 1990, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Casey Kristofferson
Casey Kristofferson, 50, born during Kris’s marriage to
Rita Coolidge
, has followed a somewhat different path from her older siblings by stepping into the music industry — though she’s made a concerted effort to carve her own space in the field.
Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson, and Casey Kristofferson photographed at Heathrow Airport on November 25, 1977. | Source: Getty Images
As the daughter of two music legends, Casey initially shied away from the spotlight even though music was always a part of her life. “After being raised on the road, I have always avoided the spotlight. I gravitated more towards the punk rock scene, classical ballet, and music. Almost anything to not be recognized just for my name,” she
revealed
.
Kris and Casey Kristofferson during an event in New York, circa 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Casey spent a significant part of her early years deeply involved in ballet, performing with the Asheville Ballet and later establishing a dance school at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, where she continues to teach.
Casey Kristofferson and her band performing during the 46th Annual Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnic on July 4, 2019, in Austin, Texas. | Source: Getty Images
She eventually found herself drawn back to her
musical roots
. She formed The Casey Kristofferson Band, which blends classic country with contemporary influences, a reflection of her diverse artistic interests.
Her
band
is composed of musicians from North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, and their sound has earned them a dedicated fan base, with over 5,000
Instagram
followers at the time of writing.
Jesse Kristofferson
Jesse Kristofferson, 40, born on October 7, 1983, in Los Angeles, California, pursued a
career
in acting. He is best known for his roles in “Days of Our Lives,” “Circle of Eight,” and “Bloodline.” However, in recent years, Jesse maintained a relatively private life.
Kris Kristofferson, Lisa Meyers, and Jesse Kristofferson at the premiere of “The Falcon and the Snowman” on January 16, 1985, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jesse Kristofferson and Zac Efron at the “Charlie St. Cloud” premiere afterparty on July 20, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jesse Kristofferson, Kimberly Alexander, Lisa Kristofferson, and Kris Kristofferson at the 40th Annual Chaplin Award Gala Honoring Barbra Streisand on April 22, 2012, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Jody Kristofferson
Despite being born into a family of performers, Jody Kristofferson, 39, decided to forge his own path by stepping into the world of
professional wrestling
under the ring name Big Country. He is best known for his appearances in WWE shows such as “WWE Smackdown!,” “WWE NXT,” and “Smosh.”
Jody “Big Country” Kristofferson | Source: YouTube/Dave Dutra
Johnny Kristofferson
While some of his siblings pursued careers in music, acting, or sports, Johnny Kristofferson, 36, became the custodian of his father’s
musical legacy.
In 2021, when Kris retired from music, Johnny stepped up to lead the family’s business interests, particularly overseeing his father’s estate and independent record label.
Kris and Johnny Kristofferson at the “Walker” Los Angeles premiere on December 2, 1987. | Source: Getty Images
Kris and son Johnny Kristofferson at the Second Annual Earth Communications Office Conference on June 24, 1990, in Malibu, California. | Source: Getty Images
In a press release, Johnny expressed his pride in the opportunity,
saying
, “It’s been amazing to dig into my dad’s catalog and history with this seasoned group of professionals…I can’t imagine a better partnership to bring the full depth of his songwriting to a new generation.”
Kris and Johnny Kristofferson at the premiere of “The Transporter” on October 2, 2002, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Kelly Marie Kristofferson
Kelly Marie Kristofferson, 33, like several of her siblings, has opted for a life away from the entertainment industry. According to her
Instagram
, Kelly Marie has embraced her creative side as both a writer and blogger.
She has maintained a relatively low profile but occasionally shares updates with her followers on social media. Kelly is also married to a painter. “How have I been a wife for four years? I don’t know, but I enjoy you and I love you @aydinhamami my clown, healer, and wise man,” she
shared
in a 2022 post.
Kelly and Kris Kristofferson performing live together at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park – Magnolia Fest 2013. | Source: YouTube/Dan Schram
Blake Kristofferson
Blake Kristofferson, 30, the youngest of Kris’s
children
, was born on July 27, 1994. As the baby of the family, Blake has lived a life mostly outside the public eye.
Like some of his siblings, Blake pursued higher education, studying at Pepperdine University. His life, much like his brother Kris Jr.’s, has been largely private, and he has not actively sought the spotlight.
Kris and Blake Kristofferson at the taping of “An All-Star Tribute Honoring Johnny Cash” on April 7, 1999, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Kris Kristofferson’s
children have chosen diverse paths, from music and acting to wrestling and private endeavors. Despite their famous father, most have opted for lives away from the spotlight. Each one has built a unique life, contributing to the Kristofferson legacy in their own way.