Sir Tom Jones, 84, issues heartbreaking tribute after death of pal and fellow musician: ‘Wonderful character’

Sir Tom Jones, 84, has issued a touching tribute to country music artist and Grammy winner Kris Kristofferson following his death at the age of 88.

Kristofferson died on September 28 at his home in Hawaii and tributes from far and wide have flooded in for the A Star Is Born performer.

The influential singer’s family didn’t provide a cause of death when confirming the sad news.

However, they did confirm he “passed away peacefully” surrounded by his loved ones.

On Monday in the hours after the news of Kristofferson’s death broke, Jones took to his social media page to pay his respects.

The Delilah hitmaker penned to his 704k Instagram followers: “A very sad loss of the great Kris Kristofferson, creator of some of the most beautiful, moving songs ever written and recorded.

“A talent with huge capability and intellect and a wonderful character whose legacy is powerful.

“RIP Kris: I hope your ‘soul’s in His Hands’. Tom Jones,” the Voice UK judge signed off.

Jones was far from the only big-name performer to pay tribute to Kristofferson following his death, with A Star Is Born co-star Barbra Streisand following suit.

Streisand penned: “The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A. I knew he was something special.

“Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became A Star Is Born.

“In the movie, Kris and I sang the song I’d written for the film’s main love theme, ‘Evergreen’. For my latest concert in 2019 at London’s Hyde Park, I asked Kris to join me on-stage to sing our other A Star Is Born duet, ‘Lost Inside Of You’.

“He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause. It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved.

“My thoughts go to Kris’ wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible.”

Fellow country music icon Dolly Parton also shared her message of condolence, writing on social media: “@kristofferson. What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly.” (sic)

The Oscar nominee’s family’s full statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home.

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