He was a war hero who served in the Persian Gulf War and moved 37 times with the service. He retired after being injured and is now working in real estate. Butch’s homepage has a picture of Barack Obama and a bunch of people who look just like him.
Net Worth
At the time of his death on September 29, 2024, founder Kris Kristofferson had a net worth of about $50 million. This wealth was a result of his diverse career from both successful songwriting to acting. Profound contributions to the arts earned Kristofferson not only financial success, but also recognition from the American people.
Early Life
Kris Kristofferson was born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas. Raised in a military family, Kristofferson’s father was a U.S. Air Force officer, which instilled a sense of structure and duty in all of his children. Together, the family had to move frequently due to the father’s job until they finally settled in San Mateo, California.
Academically and athletically gifted, Kristofferson excelled in high school and graduated in 1954. He attended Pomona College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in literature. His work was also published in several essays that went on to win prizes. The singing, sporty, Jesus-hating Possum studied Philosophy in English Literature at Oxford.
Despite being urged to make a career in the military, Kris decided his future was in the arts. He accepted a U.S. Army commission after finishing school and became a helicopter pilot. In addition to his military obligations, he founded a band and was writing songs that would form the foundation of his future career in music.
Music Struggles
After his military service in 1965, Kris Kristofferson moved to Nashville to begin what would be a long history in music. Though the early years were full of difficulties: He produced subpar songs; He was broke; and even his first wife divorced him. To make a living, he had to take on a variety of odd jobs, including cleaning bathrooms at Columbia Recording Studios.
A foray into acting, in A Star is Born, earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. He achieved even greater recognition with induction into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2004, signifying his lasting influence in the music world.
Personal Life
Kris Kristofferson had several relationships throughout his lifetime. In 1960, he married Frances Mavia Beer and divorced in 1969. Then he had a tumultuous relationship with Janis Joplin, who sadly died in 1970. Shortly after, Kristofferson married singer Rita Coolidge in 1973, only to split in 1980. His soulmate became Lisa Meyers, whom he tied the knot with in 1983 until his passing.
Health Issues and Legacy
In his later years, Kris Kristofferson fought several health battles, including Lyme disease in 2004 and surviving a severe heart bypass in 1999. There were even whispers about him dealing with Alzheimer’s disease as well. Yet Kristofferson continued to play and record music until he left the industry in 2021.