Rita Coolidge: Kris Kristofferson’s Ex-Wife’s Notoriety and Their Heartbreaking Loss
Inside the Life of Rita Coolidge, the Ex-Wife of Kris Kristofferson – The Couple Tragically Lost Their Second Child
Rita Coolidge has overcome personal misfortune, including the death of a child while she was married to Kris Kristofferson, and gone on to become a household name in the music industry throughout the 1970s. Even in her late seventies, she continues to captivate fans with her timeless grace and beauty.
When Rita Coolidge moved to Memphis in the late 1960s and started backing Bonnie Bramlett and Delaney vocally, her career took off. Because of her incredible vocal skill, she shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music, including Joe Cocker, Stephen Stills, and Eric Clapton.
She relocated to Los Angeles, where she soon became well-known for her vocals and contributed to a number of iconic live performances and records during the 1970s. After demonstrating her undeniable talent, she got a solo contract with A&M Records in 1971, and the firm released her self-titled debut album.
Even though it didn’t make much money at first, it helped her become known as a recognized artist in the industry. Coolidge’s career took off after she wed the renowned country music artist Kris Kristofferson in 1973.
They became one of the most well-known duos in the music business by combining their talents on stage and in the recording studio. The two received two Grammy Awards for their collaborative work on “From the Bottle to the Bottom” in 1974 and “Lover Please” in 1976.
Despite their professional achievements, they experienced a number of relationship issues. Later, when Coolidge reflected on their marriage, she said that their issues were visible even though she never intended to paint Kristofferson in a bad light.
When they first met in 1971 while traveling from Los Angeles to Memphis, their connection was instantaneous; Kristofferson would later describe their meeting as “love at first flight.”
After landing, Kristofferson chose to leave with Coolidge instead of continuing on to Nashville, where he had an appointment for business. Before we went to bed that night, we had settled on a name for our first child. Coolidge recalled, “I knew without a doubt that we would be together.”
The couple’s synergy at work and in their personal lives was evident early on in their relationship. When Coolidge and Kristofferson performed and recorded together, their harmonies and shared love of music mesmerized listeners.
But their marital conflict grew when Kristofferson’s acting career took off. The claims by critics that Coolidge had attached herself to Kristofferson’s wagon were sharply denied by her. “When Kris and I were on tour, he had no hit records. Indeed, I did. We were equals in our relationship and in our careers,” she said.
Furthermore, Coolidge was forthright about the psychological toll that their personal lives took. While she was recording music, Kristofferson was getting offers for movies, therefore he wasn’t at the recording studio.
Furthermore, Coolidge said that Kristofferson emotionally harassed her and downplayed her ability. He might believe that I was unkind to him. Not that I believe I was. That wasn’t always the case. It was enough, and I stopped crying every day. That’s not a good way to live,” she said.
The couple had a daughter named Casey during their years together, but their problems—particularly after the tragic death of their second child—caused their relationship to deteriorate.
They soon reached a breaking point, and in 1980 their marriage terminated in divorce. Rather than include any demands in the settlement, Coolidge chose to focus on growing her career and raising their kid.
Coolidge stated, “I didn’t feel I was doing her any favors by going the extra mile when it was obvious her parents weren’t getting along.” Despite their tumultuous marriage, Coolidge maintained that she and Kristofferson had a special bond that lasted through their divorce.
“I connect with Kris, and we laugh at things that no one else gets,” she said, remembering their bond from that year. We just have a bond between us that is incomprehensible. She smiled and added, “Never say never,” in response to the issue of whether or not they would work together on music again.
On September 28, 2024, Kristofferson passed died suddenly at the age of 88. He died peacefully in the company of his loved ones at home in Maui. His family wrote a heartfelt letter to him after his passing, expressing gratitude for their time spent together.
We feel incredibly lucky to have enjoyed this time with him. “Thank you for loving him for all these years, and know that when you see a rainbow, he’s smiling down at us all,” they said in their announcement. See how Rita Coolidge, 79, has evolved over time by looking at her amazing career trajectory.
1970s
The Eighties
The years 1990
–2000
2010s
2020s
Rita Coolidge’s grace and timeless beauty have garnered praise from social media enthusiasts in recent years. Fans were amazed by the Grammy-winning artist’s aging appearance, and many also commented on how graceful she appeared.
“You look great!” exclaimed a social media follower of the renowned artist, who was still active well into her 60s. “You are such a beautiful lady and such a talent,” was written by another person. “Rita looks fantastic!” exclaimed a third.
Throughout her life, Rita Coolidge has experienced both tremendous success and personal hardship. Her renowned singing career and her relationship with Kris Kristofferson have been beset by setbacks, one of which was the passing of their second child. Nonetheless, she continues to be recognized as a significant figure in the music industry.
