Taylor Swift Remains Silent On Kris Kristofferson’s Death Despite Longtime Bond

In the wake of country music legend Kris Kristofferson’s passing, many fans are left wondering why Taylor Swift has remained noticeably silent.

The iconic singer-songwriter, widely recognized for his role in the 1976 film "A Star Is Born," passed away "peacefully" at his Maui, Hawaii home over the weekend. He was 88.

Despite a close friendship spanning 15 years, Taylor Swift has yet to make a public statement or social media tribute to Kris Kristofferson.

Kris Kristofferson, a trailblazing figure in country music and a celebrated actor in both film and television, passed away at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday. Though no cause of death has been disclosed, family members stated that he passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 28 at home," a statement released by the family read. "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.”

The statement was offered on behalf of Kristofferson’s wife, Lisa; his eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake; and his seven grandchildren.

Kris Kristofferson and Taylor Swift shared a special bond that began years before his passing. The legendary songwriter, who was beloved by stars across the music industry, developed a close friendship with Swift, one of his many admirers.

Their connection began in 2009 when Kristofferson presented the "Red" singer with one of her many awards at the 43rd Annual Country Music Awards. But it wasn’t until the following year, at a benefit concert for Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame in Los Angeles, that their friendship truly deepened.

During the event, Swift publicly praised Kristofferson and other industry icons like Lionel Richie and Vince Gill, calling them “the best role models I could have,” according to a 2010 Los Angeles Times report. The two later had a candid backstage conversation about songwriting, further strengthening their bond.

Despite their close bond, Taylor Swift has yet to comment on Kristofferson's death. She has also been MIA from her boyfriend's, Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs games for the past two weeks.

Just two and a half years before his passing, Kris Kristofferson made his Instagram debut with a heartfelt post that highlighted his special friendship with Taylor Swift.

On Valentine’s Day 2022, the iconic musician shared a throwback photo of the duo from a 2010 event at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where they were seen making heart signs with their hands.

“No better way to kick off Kris’ official @instagram account than with this picture of him and @taylorswift at the @officialcmhof ‘All For The Hall’ concert benefit in 2010! #HappyValentinesDay,” the caption of the post read.

Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, released a statement that read:

“Kris Kristofferson believed to his core that creativity is God-given, and that those who ignore or deflect such a holy gift are doomed to failure and unhappiness. He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and then he created a body of work that gave voice not only to his soul but to ours. Kris’s heroes included the prize fighter Muhammad Ali, the great poet William Blake, and the ‘Hillbilly Shakespeare,’ Hank Williams. He lived his life in a way that honored and exemplified the values of each of those men, and he leaves a righteous, courageous and resounding legacy that rings with theirs.”

Country singer Travis Tritt, who appeared alongside Kris Kristofferson in the 1999 film "Outlaw Justice," took to Instagram to pay tribute, sharing two nostalgic throwback photos of the pair.

“Sad to hear of Kris Kristofferson’s passing. He was an inspiration to me and I was fortunate to get to know him on the set of 'Outlaw Justice' that we filmed in Spain in 1998,” he captioned the post. “My heartfelt condolences go out to Kris’s wife, Lisa, and all of his family, friends and fans.”

Fans continue to wait to see if Taylor Swift will release a statement.