Country music legend Kris Kristofferson recently passed away at age 88. His family and friends announced the devastating news in a statement:

“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. We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”

Country fans would most likely know Kristofferson from his chart-topping hits: “For the Good Times,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” He also impressively won a Grammy for his songwriting ability and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

It is hard not to admire Kristofferson’s contribution to the creative world. In addition to his country music contributions, he acted in over 100 television shows and movies, most notably his role in A Star Is Born, where he co-starred with Barbra Streisand.

Dolly Parton and Kristofferson have shared a long-lasting friendship and collaborative relationship. Just last week, days before his passing, Parton posted a throwback video of her and Kristofferson performing “Ping Pong.” She captioned it, “There’s nothing like making music with friends!”

The duo did not stop there; they have collaborated on two separate songs over the years. They created “From Here To The Moon” and “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.”

Watch Parton and Kristofferson singing together in 1984 below.

When Parton heard about her dear friend’s passing, she took to Instagram with a touching yet simple message. She said:

“What a great loss
What a great writer
What a great actor
What a great friend

I will always love you, Dolly”

Their friendship and their shared impact on country music will not soon be forgotten.

Dolly Parton Fans React To Kris Kristofferson News

Dolly’s Instagram followers commented on her post, sharing their grief and love for Kristofferson.

“My mother and I would put his records on and sing our hearts out together.”

“Soo true!! He will never be forgotten”

“What a great voice, singing and speaking.”

“Truly one of the most gifted songwriters ever.”

“Fly high Kris, we your fans will miss you and will always love you!”

“So sorry for your loss Dolly and all who loved him”

“I am so sorry for your loss Miss Dolly. He was a brilliant and beautiful man, and he will be missed.”

Our deepest condolences to Kristofferson’s family and friends during this time.

In memory, watch the duo sing “From Here To The Moon” below.