The Enduring Love and Unseen Battles of Kris Kristofferson
The recent passing of Kris Kristofferson at 88 years old has left a profound void in the hearts of many, a sentiment echoed through the online tributes from stars like Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, and Miranda Lambert. While death may have brought him a peace that eluded him in his later years, the immediate grief for his family — his wife Lisa of 41 years, their five children, and his three children from previous marriages — will undoubtedly linger for months, if not years.
Eric Church, a contemporary artist who revered Kristofferson, shared a poignant video of them rehearsing, accompanied by a heartfelt tribute: “Thank you for being a beacon of light in a darkening world. You were my hero and my role model. So long Captain, ’til we meet again.” The “Captain” moniker, a nod to Kristofferson’s Army rank and industry nickname, perfectly encapsulates the reverence he commanded. Anyone who saw Kristofferson in public since around 2000 would have noticed Lisa Meyers constantly by his side – his unwavering rock, and often, his memory. Their enduring 41-year marriage, however, began with a rather unconventional start.
A Cheesy Pickup Line and a Bumpy Road to Matrimony
Believe it or not, the love story between Kris Kristofferson and Lisa Meyers began with a seemingly cheesy pickup line at a gym. Kristofferson himself later admitted it was a “ploy” to initiate contact. “At the time I was gunshy,” he recalled, referring to his reluctance to jump back into marriage after two previous unions. His first marriage to his high school sweetheart produced two children, and his second, to singer Rita Coolidge, gave him one. Both earlier marriages were, by his own admission, marred by his struggles with alcohol abuse and womanizing. He also notably dated Barbara Streisand in 1970 and, in the same year, had a relationship with Janis Joplin, whose iconic rendition of his song “Me and Bobby McGee” helped solidify his reputation as a premier songwriter. This complicated past only reinforced his desire to focus on his children before rushing into another marriage.
Despite his initial hesitations, Kristofferson truly “had it all” with Lisa. They built a life together in Hawaii, enjoying relative calm until the late 1990s. In 1999, Kristofferson underwent bypass surgery and recovered well, but the real health challenges began to surface years later, subtly at first, then with increasing severity.
A Misdiagnosis, a Battle, and the Truth Revealed
In 2006, after filming a movie called Disappearances, Kris Kristofferson was diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea. While not inherently life-threatening, it was around this time that his health struggles truly began their years-long descent. He was then diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a condition that caused such debilitating pain — described by Lisa as “massive painful spasms all over his back and legs, golf ball-sized painful contractions and pain throughout his knees” — that he was unable to work for months. He also required a pacemaker. Kristofferson was clearly struggling, and then, between 2006 and 2008, his memory began to noticeably slip.
Given his background in sports like football and rugby, which carry risks for brain injuries, doctors initially diagnosed him with Alzheimer’s disease. He began treatment, which unfortunately led to various side effects. He even penned an unrecorded song reflecting this struggle, with poignant lyrics like, “I see a glass of wine, I’m pretty sure it’s mine.” The cascade of medical interventions was in full swing.
Years passed, and Lisa, unwavering in her commitment, finally sought another doctor who meticulously examined Kristofferson’s contractions and spasms. This physician delivered a life-altering diagnosis: “He’s got Lyme disease.” This pivotal moment, detailed in a Rolling Stone piece in 2016, revealed the crucial misdiagnosis. Once they ceased the Alzheimer’s medications, Kristofferson’s condition dramatically improved: “All of a sudden he was back.” The family believes he may have contracted Lyme disease from a tick bite potentially during the filming of Disappearances, or even years prior. The key takeaway, as Lisa emphasized, is that she refused to accept that his condition was simply Alzheimer’s, CTE, or just old age. While he wasn’t “pinpoint sharp” for the remaining eight years of his life, and Lisa often filled in his conversational gaps, their relationship remained incredibly special, built on deep love and unwavering support.
Officially, the exact cause of Kris Kristofferson’s death remains undisclosed, with the family’s statement simply noting he “went peacefully, surrounded by family on September 28th.” One can only hope this brings solace to his loved ones.