ACM Awards Host Reba McEntire Delivers Tender Tribute To The Late Kris Kristofferson

During one of the 60th ACM Awards‘ most emotional moments, host Reba McEntire took to the stage to honor her dear friend, Kris Kristofferson.

Kristofferson passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88. After learning about his death, McEntire shared a sweet picture of them onstage together a few years prior.

She wrote:

“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 was a solo artist, an actor, a member of the Highwaymen, and a well-respected songwriter. He wrote tracks that many other artists made famous, including “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and “Me and Bobby McGee.”

Kristofferson shared writing credits on the latter track with Fred Foster. Roger Miller recorded it first and took it to the 12th spot on the Hot Country Singles chart.

However, Janis Joplin is responsible for recording the most recognizable rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee.” Her recording was released posthumously after she died in 1970. It reached the #1 spot on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Kristofferson also recorded “Me and Bobby McGee.” He often performed the song live, both solo and with the Highwaymen.

In 2016, McEntire sang “Me and Bobby McGee” to honor Kristofferson during a tribute show in Nashville. He joined her onstage partway through the song.

Reba Recognizes Members Of The Country Music Family Who Passed Away During “In Memoriam” Segment At The ACM Awards

As Reba McEntire prepared to honor Kris Kristofferson at the 60th ACM Awards, “Me and Bobby McGee” seemed the perfect song for her to pick. She made her performance extra emotional by singing a cappella and asking the crowd to join her

After finishing a piece of the song, a teary-eyed McEntire remembered Kristofferson and other members of the country music community we’ve lost in recent months:

“Tonight, we remember Kris and all those in our extended country music family who passed on this past year. And 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 McEntire’s “In Memoriam” segment at the 2025 ACM Awards below, including her “Me and Bobby McGee” tribute to Kristofferson.