Country music icon and beloved movie star Kris Kristofferson died Saturday at the age of 88.

According to , his family released a statement confirming that the star passed away surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Maui, Hawaii. variety. The cause of death had not been released as of Monday morning.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that our husband, father and grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 28th. Our thoughts are with him. We are so happy to have had him. Thank you for loving him all these years, and when you see the rainbow, know that he is smiling on all of us,” the family wrote.

Klitferson's love for country music began at a very young age. He really honed his musical talent after serving in the US Army and becoming a helicopter pilot. He continued to explore his passion for songwriting while serving in West Germany in the early '60s, forming his first band with his fellow soldiers.

Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, praised the star's many talents.

“Kris Kristofferson believed with all his heart that creativity is a gift from God and that those who ignore or deflect such a divine gift are doomed to failure and unhappiness. “He preached that the life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and he went on to create a body of work that gave voice not just to his own soul, but to our souls,” Young said, Variety reported. Ta.

“Chris' heroes included prize fighter Muhammad Ali, the great poet William Blake, and 'Hillbilly Shakespeare' Hank Williams. “He lived his life in a way that respected and embodied the values ​​of each of these people, and he left behind a just, courageous and resounding legacy that resonates with their values,” he said.

NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 16: (LR) Kris Kristofferson and Hank Williams Jr. accept induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on behalf of Jerry Lee Lewis and teach country music in class. Presented by Kyle Young, CEO of the Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The 2022 Medallion Ceremony was held on October 16, 2022 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Kristofferson is known for his 1970 songs such as “For the Good Times” by Ray Price, “Sunday Morning Coming Down” by Johnny Cash in 1970, and the 1970 country song “For the Good Times” by Johnny Cash. He left his mark on the music industry as the author of music's No. 1 hit song, “Help Me Make.” It's Through the Night'' Sammy Smith, 1971.

According to Variety, his song “Me and Bobby McGee” became a pop hit in 1971 after the death of ex-girlfriend Janis Joplin, rising to the top of the charts.

NASHVILLE – DECEMBER 30: Kris Kristofferson's star appears on the Music City Walk of Fame on December 30, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

His first four albums for Monument Records all ranked in the country music top 10.

Kristofferson's honors include three Grammy Awards, including Best Country Song for “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”

His good looks and natural charm opened the door for Kristofferson to the world of Hollywood acting. He first appeared on screen in “Cisco Pike'' alongside Gene Hackman, and several of his songs were featured on the film's soundtrack.

Starr's acting career blossomed in the '70s with roles in Bloom and Martin Scorsese's Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore.

He won a Golden Globe Award for his role in the 1977 hit film “A Star Is Born.''

Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2015. (Related: Legendary actress Barbara Leigh Hunt, who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Frenzy', dies at 88)

In addition to his wife Lisa, he is survived by seven grandchildren and eight children. Tracy, Chris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake.

Tributes for the star continue to pour in on social media.