When country music legend and actor Kris Kristofferson passed away, he left behind a loving family, including his wife of over four decades, Lisa Meyers. Their long marriage was a testament to their deep bond and commitment. In addition to his wife, Kris is also survived by his children and grandchildren, who were a big part of his life.
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Kris had three marriages over the course of his life. His first was with Frances Beer, whom he married in 1961. The marriage lasted eight years before they divorced. In 1973, Kris married singer Rita Coolidge, but their relationship also ended after seven years. However, after his second divorce, Kris found love again. He met Lisa Meyers in 1982 at a gym in Malibu, California. Lisa, a law student at Pepperdine University at the time, captured Kris’s attention, and they married the following year in February 1983. Their marriage lasted for more than 41 years, up until Kris passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88.
How Kris Met Lisa Meyers
Lisa and Kris met in 1982, and Kris later shared how he came up with a plan to approach her at the gym. As reported by PEOPLE, Kris pretended to need help with gym equipment just to strike up a conversation with Lisa. At that time, Kris, a member of The Highwaymen and known for his role in A Star Is Born, was cautious about getting involved in serious relationships after his previous marriages. He admitted that he was focused on living the life of a performer, traveling on the road, and pouring himself into his music.
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“At that time, I wasn’t looking for anything serious. I was more focused on my music and the road,” Kris explained. “But as my family started growing, I began to realize what really mattered.”
Kris and Lisa built a life together and welcomed five children, who joined Kris’s three children from his earlier marriages. They raised their family in Hawaii, which Kris often said was “the best move [he] ever made,” appreciating the peace and beauty of the islands while focusing on his family life.
Lisa’s Support Through Kris’s Health Problems
As Kris grew older, he faced some serious health struggles. At one point, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a diagnosis that later turned out to be incorrect. Doctors eventually discovered that Kris actually had Lyme disease, and it was a long road to recovery. Through it all, Lisa stood by his side and supported him during both the good and the bad times.
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In an interview with HuffPost in 2016, Lisa spoke about how important laughter and staying positive were for Kris’s health. “The more we can get Kris to laugh, the healthier he is. Traveling, the music, the laughter—it’s all great medicine for him,” she said. She added that living in the moment was key to navigating the challenges they faced. “We just live in the present. It’s been a strange but beautiful journey together,” she shared.
Kris often expressed his gratitude for Lisa’s constant support. During an interview with NPR in 2018, he reflected on his life and relationships, acknowledging just how lucky he felt. “I’ve had all kinds of experiences, most of them good. I have eight kids and a wife who’s always been there for me, who puts up with everything I do and keeps me out of trouble.”
Kris’s relationship with Lisa, along with his love for his family, played a central role in his later years. As his loved ones cope with his passing, they are sure to hold on to the memories of his love, humor, and strength. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Lisa and the rest of Kris’s family during this difficult time.
