Reba McEntire Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Kris Kristofferson at 60th ACM Awards
One of the most touching moments at the 60th ACM Awards came when host Reba McEntire took a pause from the festivities to honor the late Kris Kristofferson, a cherished friend and country music legend.
Kristofferson passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88. Following the news of his death, McEntire shared a heartfelt photo of the two performing together onstage years ago, writing:
“What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Kris.”
Kristofferson left a legacy as a solo artist, acclaimed actor, member of the iconic group The Highwaymen, and prolific songwriter. His pen gave us classics like “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and the beloved “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Though Roger Miller was the first to record “Me and Bobby McGee,” it was Janis Joplin’s haunting posthumous version that made the song a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Kristofferson himself also recorded and frequently performed the song, both alone and with the Highwaymen.
In 2016, McEntire had previously paid tribute to him during a Nashville show, singing “Me and Bobby McGee” live as Kristofferson joined her partway through.
A Stirring “In Memoriam” Performance at the ACM Awards
At this year’s ACM Awards, McEntire once again chose “Me and Bobby McGee” to honor her late friend. Singing a cappella, she invited the audience to join her in what became one of the night’s most emotional performances.
After the song, a visibly moved McEntire paid tribute not only to Kristofferson but also to other beloved members of the country music world who passed away this past year:
“Tonight, we remember Kris and all those in our extended country music family who passed on this past year. That list includes my buddy Joe Bonsall from the Oak Ridge Boys, the wonderful singer-songwriter Melba Montgomery, the highly respected musical producer Ben Vaughn, and Dolly Parton’s husband and love of 60 years, Carl Dean. They all brought music to our lives and live on forever in our hearts.”
Watch Reba McEntire’s moving “In Memoriam” segment and tribute to Kris Kristofferson from the 2025 ACM Awards below.