Kris Kristofferson's net worth: How rich was the famous singer?
Kris Kristofferson is important in America's country music history and Hollywood. Not only did he live a remarkable life of achievements, setting and breaking records, but Kris Kristofferson's net worth testifies to the life-changing benefits of the entertainment industry.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
When Kris Kristofferson's salary as a janitor could barely meet his financial needs, the artist held on to his dreams like his life depended on it. He did several jobs at a time to pursue his music career. His tenacity and preparedness for opportunity paid off when he met Johnny Cash, leading to his rise to stardom.
Profile summary
| Full name | Kristoffer Kristofferson |
| Nickname | Kris |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 22 June 1936 |
| Date of death | 28 September 2024 |
| Age at death | 88 years old |
| Zodiac sign | Cancer |
| Place of birth | Brownsville, Texas, U.S. |
| Place of death | Hana, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Swedish, Swiss-German, English, Scottish-Irish, Dutch ancestry |
| Spouses | Fran Beer (m. 1961; div. 1973); Rita Coolidge (m. 1973; div. 1980); Lisa Meyers (m. 1983) |
| Children | Eight |
| Education | Pomona College, Merton College, Oxford |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, actor |
| Net worth | $50 million |
What is Kris Kristofferson's net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Kris' net worth at the time of his death was $50 million. He passed away on 28 September 2024 at 88. His attorney son, John, had been managing the family business before his demise.
As Music Row published in a press release, John promised to continue Kristofferson's artistic heritage in partnership with Morris Higham Management. As published on 27 January 2021, he said:
It's been amazing to dig into my dad's catalogue and history with this seasoned group of professionals... I can't imagine a better partnership to bring the full depth of his songwriting to a new generation. The name has always been synonymous with songwriting as an art, and we're excited to reintroduce his work to new and old fans alike.
How did Kristoffer Kristofferson amass his wealth before his death? Below is a breakdown of his career endeavours and rise to fame:
Source: Original
Janitor and pilot
According to Vogue, Kris Kristofferson followed his father's step into a military career. His growing interest in music and writing made him quit the army in 1965 against his father's wish. He became a janitor at Columbia Records, where he networked with artists like Johnny Cash.
His military career also landed him a job as a helicopter pilot with an oil company. The schedule was gruelling, but he had the opportunity to meet Johnny Cash.
Songwriter
Kristofferson started writing songs at the University of Oxford but struggled to gain recognition. He hit a breakthrough when famous artists recorded some of his songs.
For instance, Roy Drusky recorded Jody and the Kid. Hit songs like Help Me Make It Through the Night, Me and Bobby McGee, and Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down also contributed to his fame.
Musician
Kris Kristofferson was 34 when he dropped an eponymous album in 1970. This album marked his transition from writing songs to performing them. Tracks like To Beat the Devil and The Best of All Possible Worlds received critical acclaim.
Subsequent albums, like The Silver Tongued Devil and I, released in 1971, and Jesus Was a Capricorn, released in 1972, made Kristofferson famous. In the 1980s, he joined the popular music group The Highwaymen, which comprised Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and himself.
Kris Kristofferson's album sales contributed immensely to his $50 million net worth at the time of his death.
Source: Getty Images
Actor
Kristofferson entered Hollywood as soon as his music career took off. His acting debut was in the 1971 movie Cisco Pike. He went on to act in movies like:
- Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973)
- A Star Is Born (1976)
- Heaven's Gate (1980)
- Blade Trilogy (2000s)
- Dolphin Tale (2011)
Exploring Kris Kristofferson's house and real estate
As Radar Online published, Kristofferson owned real estate portfolios and several properties. This includes a Malibu home situated in Los Flores Canyon, California.
The late singer also boasted a Maui retreat, a Hawaiian property where he relaxed after his busy career. He had a 550-acre ranch near Elk, California, regarded as the most beloved of Kris' real estate assets.
The ranch, which features 250 acres of forestland, a captivating oceanfront view, and 300 acres of open pasture, was listed for $17.2 million in 2023.
What happened to Kris Kristofferson's inheritance?
Kristofferson carefully planned his financial and artistic legacy and named his eight children beneficiaries of his massive wealth. According to Pinkvilla, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, Johnny, Kelly Marie, and Blake were named to inherit royalties from the songs he wrote and performed and profit from his real estate assets.
Source: Getty Images
Frequently asked questions
Kris' travails and eventual success have piqued interest in his personality and career. Below are questions and the best answers shared:
- What did Kris Kristofferson pass away from? He passed away from Lyme disease, which was initially misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's.
- How much money did Kris Kristofferson have when he died? He was worth $50 million at the time he passed away.
- How did Kris Kristofferson make most of his money? The late singer made his fortune as a musician, songwriter, and actor.
- What is Kris Kristofferson's biggest hit? Why Me, released in July 1973, is regarded as his biggest hit.
- How old was Kris Kristofferson? He passed away in 2024, aged 88 years, and would have celebrated his 89th birthday on 22 June 2025.
Kris Kristofferson's net worth at the time of his death proves that a man is the sole hero in his story. It did not matter that his family deserted him for following his heart, nor did working as a janitor deter him from his goal. His impact on the entertainment industry is much celebrated to date.
READ ALSO: What is Kodak Black's net worth? A look at his wealth and lifestyle
As Briefly.co.za published, Kodak Black is a prolific American rapper, singer, and songwriter taking the music industry by storm. His successful career has increased his worth since entering the entertainment scene.
His primary source of income is music, which allows him to sponsor his comfortable lifestyle and philanthropic activities. What is Kodak Black's net worth, and how did he achieve this?
Source: Briefly News
