The death of Kris Kristofferson has left a deep impact on countless fans around the globe. Among those deeply affected by his passing is his ex-wife, Rita Coolidge.
To learn more about what Rita has been up to lately, keep reading.
Rita Coolidge was a major figure in the music scene during the 1970s. Though she gained initial fame for her talent, her personal life soon became a focal point of media attention. Now in her late 70s, fans are amazed by how gracefully she has aged.
Coolidge began her rise to stardom in the 1960s after moving to Memphis, where she worked as a backup singer for Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Her incredible voice soon led her to collaborate with some of the most famous musicians of the time, including Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, and Stephen Stills.
When she later moved to Los Angeles, her career took off. She signed with A&M Records and released her debut album in 1971.
Though the album didn’t achieve commercial success, it established her as a respected artist. Her career took a significant leap when she married country music star Kris Kristofferson in 1973.
The duo became a well-known power couple in the music industry, collaborating on projects that led to two Grammy wins—one for “From the Bottle to the Bottom” in 1974 and another for “Lover Please” in 1976.
While their professional life flourished, their marriage faced numerous struggles. Coolidge has since spoken about the challenges they faced together, noting that while she didn’t want to portray Kristofferson negatively, their relationship had its difficult moments.
The couple’s story began when they met on a flight from Los Angeles to Memphis in 1971, with Kristofferson jokingly calling it “love at first flight.”
Kristofferson was originally headed to Nashville for a business meeting, but changed his plans to be with Coolidge. “By the end of that night, we’d already picked a name for our first child. I was sure we were meant to be together,” she recalled.
The couple’s personal connection was undeniable, and their professional collaborations were equally electric, mesmerizing audiences with their music.
As Kristofferson’s acting career took off, rumors swirled that Coolidge was using him for professional gain. She quickly dismissed these claims, pointing out, “When Kris and I were touring, he wasn’t the one with the hit records—I was. We were equals in both our work and our relationship.”
Coolidge openly shared how Kristofferson’s acting career impacted their partnership. With film offers rolling in, he spent less time in the recording studio, creating distance between them.
She also spoke about the emotional abuse she endured, saying he often belittled her talent. “Maybe he feels I mistreated him too, but I don’t think I did. It wasn’t constant, but it was enough to make me cry every day, and that’s no way to live.”
During their marriage, the couple welcomed a daughter named Casey. Tragically, they lost their second child, a heartache that added strain to their relationship.
By 1980, their marriage had unraveled, leading to their divorce. Coolidge chose to focus on her own career without seeking a financial settlement, wanting a clean break. “I didn’t think staying together was doing her any favors when it was clear her parents were not in sync,” she said. Despite the difficulties, they maintained a special bond even after the split.
In a 2016 interview, she reflected on their relationship, saying, “Kris and I share a connection. We laugh at things no one else understands. It’s a bond that goes beyond explanation.” When asked if they might perform together again, she replied with a smile, “Never say never.”
Kristofferson passed away on September 28, 2024, at age 88, surrounded by loved ones at his Maui home. His family issued a statement after his passing, saying he died peacefully.
“We’re grateful for the time we had with him. Thank you for loving him over the years, and whenever you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down on us,” the statement read.
As for Rita Coolidge, she has been doing well in recent years. Fans have marveled at how youthful and vibrant she looks. Her social media is filled with comments from admirers praising her appearance.
“You look amazing!” one fan wrote on a recent photo. Coolidge was still touring into her 60s, and another fan remarked, “You’re a true talent and such a beautiful woman.” A third person simply added, “Rita looks fantastic!”
Jennifer Grey expresses her feelings about Patrick Swayze.
The iconic 1987 movie Dirty Dancing is a beloved classic that is nearly always at the top of people’s lists.
The film’s lead actor, the late Patrick Swayze, gained international recognition for his role in this beloved picture, and Jennifer Grey, who costarred with him, is still very much a part of its history.
Because she played “Baby” in Dirty Dancing, Jennifer Grey is well-known throughout the world. The narrative follows Baby and her family while they stay at a resort, highlighting her romantic encounter with Swayze’s disobedient dance teacher.
Many viewers have requested a sequel to this picture, which has quickly become a classic. Grey has only agreed to produce it—despite their demands—if a number of strict requirements are satisfied in order to respect Patrick Swayze and the film’s enduring popularity.
Years after the film’s release, Jennifer Grey was frequently asked about her experience working on Dirty Dancing. She acknowledged that she and Patrick Swayze had no relationship, but their physical appearances drew them together.
Lionsgate surprised everyone in April 2022 at Cinemacon by revealing their plans to create a sequel to the cult classic.
The next time Grey appeared was during an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, where she discussed the idea for a future sequel.
Jennifer Grey recently talked about the upcoming Dirty Dancing sequel. She made it clear that when it came to offering the best possible flick, she would not make any exceptions.
She added that a few of the original cast members would be back in the movie. Furthermore, Johnny Castle, played by Patrick Swayze, will not have a successor; instead, his narrative and essence will be carried over into a different part in the follow-up.
Grey emphasized that the success of the movie depended on this difficult project.
When Patrick Swayze passed away in 2009, the entertainment industry and Jennifer Grey, his longtime co-star and companion, were devastated.
Despite their disagreements, Grey remarked after Swayze’s passing her deep sadness and remorse for not appreciating him more while he was still living.
In her memoirs, Out of the Corner, she paid a heartfelt homage to her past love, wishing she could have accepted him for who he was instead of expecting him to be someone else.
We wish Jennifer Grey all the best for her future goals, despite her tragic circumstances.
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