Kris Kristofferson: From Country Legend to Lyme Disease Warrior
At the age of 86, country legend Kris Kristofferson stands as a testament to the power of proper diagnosis and treatment. Initially suspected to be battling Alzheimer’s disease, Kristofferson’s health issues turned out to be caused by Lyme disease. Today, he is in good health and grateful for the second chance he has been given.
The Unintentional Beard
Known for his sky-blue eyes, white hair, and well-trimmed beard, Kris Kristofferson has captivated fans for over five decades. However, he reveals that the beard was not a fashion statement but a consequence of a bout of pneumonia. During his hospitalization, he was unable to shave, and a magazine photo taken at the time dubbed him “the new face of country music.”
“Willie has been looking as crazy as hell ever since.”
The Journey to Stardom
Kris Kristofferson’s journey to fame was unconventional. After graduating from Oxford in 1960, he served in the military and later became a commercial pilot. In his spare time, he would sit on an oil platform, strumming his guitar and penning future hits like “Help Me Make it Through the Night” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” It was during this period that he crossed paths with Johnny Cash, who would play a significant role in launching his career.
“I discovered him, and so did a lot of other people around the same time,” Cash recalled. “That’s how I got a lot of Kris’s songs, but one day he got so impatient that he landed a helicopter in my yard and brought me a tape of ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down.'”
A Skyrocketing Career
Kris Kristofferson’s talent as a songwriter quickly gained recognition, with artists such as Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin, and Bob Dylan covering his songs. In 1985, he formed the supergroup The Highwaymen, alongside Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson. Their debut album’s title track, “Highwayman,” earned them the prestigious Single of the Year award from the Academy of Country Music.
“Every time I stood on stage, at some point during the show, I had to pinch myself to realize that I was really up there on stage,” Kristofferson reminisces about performing alongside his musical heroes.
Inspiration and Heroes
Kris Kristofferson’s admiration for fellow musicians runs deep. Among his heroes is the iconic Bob Dylan, whom he first encountered while cleaning the studio where Dylan recorded. Observing Dylan’s work process left a lasting impression on Kristofferson. He also holds Janis Joplin in high regard, particularly her rendition of his song “Me and Bobby McGee,” which topped the charts after her untimely passing.
“Every performer who has done my songs has done them better than I have,” Kristofferson humbly admits.
A Life of Relationships and Love
Kristofferson’s personal life has been marked by relationships with notable women, including Jane Fonda, Carly Simon, and Samantha Eggar. However, it was his collaboration with Barbara Streisand in the film A Star Is Born that caught attention. Despite their undeniable on-screen chemistry, the two were never romantically involved. Kristofferson speaks highly of Streisand’s talent and considers it a privilege to have worked alongside her.
A Misdiagnosis and a Battle with Lyme Disease
In the late 1990s, Kris Kristofferson’s health took a downturn. Misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2004, he experienced a range of distressing symptoms, including severe spasms and chronic pain. It was not until 2016, after consulting with an integrative doctor, that he received a proper diagnosis of Lyme disease. The infection likely occurred when he was bitten by a tick while filming Disappearances in Vermont.
“He was taking all these medications for things he doesn’t have, and they all have side effects,” Kristofferson’s wife, Lisa Meyers, reveals.
A New Lease on Life
Following treatment for Lyme disease, Kristofferson experienced a remarkable recovery. Although he still faces occasional challenges, some days he appears perfectly healthy, leaving others unaware of the battles he fights. Looking ahead, Kristofferson has a clear vision of his final resting place, with the lyrics of Leonard Cohen’s “Bird on a Wire” engraved on his tombstone.
“Like a bird on a wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir, I have tried in my way to be free.”
Kris Kristofferson’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From his early days as a struggling songwriter to his current status as a country music icon and Lyme disease warrior, he continues to inspire generations with his music and his unwavering determination.