No cause of death was given.
Were all so blessed for our time with him.
I knew he was something special.
Kris KristoffersonGetty Images
Kristofferson was a part of two legendary, troubled films.
The first was Dennis HoppersThe Last Movie, the actor/directors disastrous follow-up toEasy Rider.
The second wasHeavens Gate, Michael Ciminos follow-up toThe Deer Hunter.
He was also on the universitys rugby team.
Working as a commercial helicopter pilot at the time helped him in his aim to garner Cashs collaboration.
I know thats why I ran in front of the bulls in Pamplona.
In 1985, Kristofferson joined Cash, Nelson and Waylon Jennings to form the country supergroup The Highwaymen.
Between 1985 and 1995, the group recorded three albums and toured together.
Jennings died in 2002, and Cash in 2003.
Kristofferson and Nelson continued collaborating in the years thereafter.
Those tours and the records we made were a great time, Kristofferson toldClassic Rockmagazine in 2010.
I just wish I was more aware of how lucky I was to share a stage with those people.
I had no idea that two of them would be done so soon.
Hell, I was up there and I had all my heroes with me.
These are guys whose ashtrays I used to clean.
Im kinda amazed I wasnt more amazed.
He achieved more lifetime honors from such organizations as the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
And, lest we forget, the man is one hell of an accomplished actor.
