Kristofferson's individualism and dogged brilliance helped him kick down genre walls and light the path for other country trailblazers.

Kristofferson leaned into the outlaw identity in the 1970s, and in the process, helped Willie Nelson build Austin as an outpost for country musicians.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully," the statement released Sunday read. "We’re all so b