Inside the Life of Rita Coolidge, the Ex-Wife of Kris Kristofferson – The Couple Tragically Lost Their Second Child
Rita Coolidge has overcome personal misfortune, including the death of a child while she was married to Kris Kristofferson, and gone on to become a household name in the music industry throughout the 1970s. Even in her late seventies, she continues to captivate fans with her timeless grace and beauty.
When Rita Coolidge moved to Memphis in the late 1960s and started backing Bonnie Bramlett and Delaney vocally, her career took off. Because of her incredible vocal skill, she shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music, including Joe Cocker, Stephen Stills, and Eric Clapton.
She relocated to Los Angeles, where she soon became well-known for her vocals and contributed to a number of iconic live performances and records during the 1970s. After demonstrating her undeniable talent, she got a solo contract with A&M Records in 1971, and the firm released her self-titled debut album.
Even though it didn’t make much money at first, it helped her become known as a recognized artist in the industry. Coolidge’s career took off after she wed the renowned country music artist Kris Kristofferson in 1973.
They became one of the most well-known duos in the music business by combining their talents on stage and in the recording studio. The two received two Grammy Awards for their collaborative work on “From the Bottle to the Bottom” in 1974 and “Lover Please” in 1976.
Despite their professional achievements, they experienced a number of relationship issues. Later, when Coolidge reflected on their marriage, she said that their issues were visible even though she never intended to paint Kristofferson in a bad light.
When they first met in 1971 while traveling from Los Angeles to Memphis, their connection was instantaneous; Kristofferson would later describe their meeting as “love at first flight.”
After landing, Kristofferson chose to leave with Coolidge instead of continuing on to Nashville, where he had an appointment for business. Before we went to bed that night, we had settled on a name for our first child. Coolidge recalled, “I knew without a doubt that we would be together.”
The couple’s chemistry at work and in their personal lives was evident early on in their relationship. When Coolidge and Kristofferson performed and recorded together, their harmonies and shared love of music mesmerized listeners.
But their marital discord grew when Kristofferson’s acting career took off. The claims by critics that Coolidge had attached herself to Kristofferson’s wagon were sharply denied by her. “When Kris and I were on tour, he had no hit records. Indeed, I did. We were equals in our relationship and in our careers,” she said.
Furthermore, Coolidge was forthright about the psychological toll that their personal lives took. While she was recording music, Kristofferson was getting offers for movies, so he wasn’t at the recording studio.
Furthermore, Coolidge said that Kristofferson emotionally mistreated her and downplayed her abilities. He might believe that I was unkind to him. Not that I believe I was. That wasn’t always the case. I sobbed every day because it was enough, and that’s not a healthy way to live,” she admitted.
During their years together, the couple welcomed a daughter, Casey, but their relationship deteriorated due to their problems, especially after the devastating death of their second child.
Their marriage eventually ended in divorce in 1980 after reaching a breaking point. Coolidge made the decision to concentrate on advancing her profession and raising their daughter rather than making any requests in the settlement.
“I didn’t feel I was doing her any favors by going the distance when clearly her parents were not in harmony,” said Coolidge. Coolidge claimed that despite their turbulent marriage, she and Kristofferson remained connected in a unique way that persisted even after their divorce.
“Kris and I have a connection and we laugh at stuff that nobody else gets,” she reminisced of their friendship in 2016. We simply share a connection that defies comprehension.” In response to the question of whether or not they would collaborate on music again, she grinned and said, “Never say never.”
At the age of 88, Kristofferson tragically departed away on September 28, 2024. He passed away quietly at home in Maui, surrounded by his loved ones. After his death, his family released a poignant letter thanking him for the time they had together.
We’re so fortunate to have had this time with him. In their announcement, they stated, “Thank you for loving him for all these years, and know that when you see a rainbow, he’s smiling down at us all.” Check out Rita Coolidge’s incredible career progression to see how the 79-year-old has changed over time.
The 1970s
The 1980s
The 1990s
the 2000s
2010s
2020s
Social media enthusiasts have lauded Rita Coolidge in recent years for her grace and youthful beauty. The Grammy-winning artist’s ageing appearance astonished fans, and many also remarked on how graceful she looked.
One social media user said of the famed performer, who was still traveling well into her 60s, “You look great!” Another individual typed, “You are such a beautiful lady and such a talent.” “Rita looks great!” commented a third.
Rita Coolidge has witnessed both immense success and personal adversity throughout her life. Her relationship with Kris Kristofferson and her acclaimed singing career have been laden with problems, one of which was the death of their second child. She’s still recognized as an important person in the music world, though.
