NEW YORK (AP) — The singer-songwriter and actor died Saturday at his home in Hawaii, surrounded by family, at the age of 88.

“The first time I saw Kris perform at the Troubadour club in LA I knew he was something special.”
— Barbra Streisand, Kristofferson’s co-star in “A Star is Born,” on X and Instagram

“Right now I’m on a small boat between Ustica and Palermo listening to ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ and thinking about Kris Kristofferson. Just like half the world. I was lucky enough to work with Kris. He was a poet. Real. Inside and outside. And a damn good actor, a remarkable screen presence. Spending time with Kris when we made ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ was one of the highlights of my life.”
— Martin Scorsese in a statement

‘We lost a fellow Highwayman today. Godspeed, Kris.”
— Kristofferson’s bandmate Jimmy Webb, on X and Facebook

“I loved this man, his talent, his spirit and his beautiful heart. Have a safe trip, my friend.”
—Melissa Etheridge on X

“What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly.’
— Dolly Parton on X

Kris Kristofferson speaks as Dolly Parton looks on at the 2003 BMI Country Music Awards. Photo by Frank Mullen/WireImage

“Kris Kristofferson believed that creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to misfortune. He preached that a life of the spirit gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul, but to ours as well. He leaves behind a resounding legacy.”
— Kyle Young, CEO of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, in a statement

“An epic human being with the biggest heart. you will be so missed. rest assured, my friend.”
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian on X

“What a gentleman, kind soul and a lover of words. I’m so glad I met him and was around him. One of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Kris.”
— Reba McEntire on X

‘Poet, sweet person, road scholar, old school student.’
—Josh Brolin on Instagram

“This legend was so good to me when we worked on Dreamer together. What an honor to have spent time in his presence.”
— Dakota Fanning on Instagram

“I will never forget his support for me when I received my first CMA Male Vocalist of the Year award. His friendship and encouragement helped validate my career in country music and my place in Nashville.
– Lee Greenwood in a statement

“In my opinion, Kris was one of the greatest songwriters ever. An incredible role model for me with my own writing. A hero and a great, great man. I will miss him terribly.”
– Lacy J. Dalton in a statement

“I loved Kris Kristofferson. He was a beacon for everything I value most in this world. He’s the only songwriter I know – and I’ve known most of them – who changed the entire landscape of country music through the sheer power of his poetry.
– Marshall Chapman on Facebook

“When The Oak Ridge Boys were looking for a way to grow our career, we listened to the music of Kris Kristofferson. The stories in his songs were things we experienced. Then he wrote: ‘Why me Lord.’ When we heard that song, the message touched us. It reassured us that we were on the right track. We love Kris and his beautiful family. Please remember them in your prayers.”
– Duane Allen in a statement

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Kris and performing with him and participating in a number of events over the years. He was an absolute delight. He was also a genius.”
– Sam Moore of Sam and Dave, in a statement

“Kris was always so sweet to me. They threw us together in the cornfield on ‘Hee Haw.’ Those are some of my fondest memories. My prayers for his family.”
– Lulu Roman in a statement

“There are very few moments in life when you share the stage with a true hero. Kris Kristofferson was a hero of mine, and I can remember almost every detail of the night I played piano while Kris sang “Help Me Make it Through the Night” at the Grand Ole Opry. What a writer, and there was so much emotion in his voice when he sang. It was raw, grating and true. RIP, Chris. There will never be another like you.”
— Tim Atwood in a statement