Reba McEntire Honors Late Friend Kris Kristofferson With Heartfelt A Cappella Performance of “Me and Bobby McGee” at ACM Awards

One of the most moving moments of the 60th Annual ACM Awards came when country legend Reba McEntire stepped onto the stage to pay tribute to her longtime friend, Kris Kristofferson.

Kristofferson, a towering figure in music and film, passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88. In a touching message shared shortly after his passing, Reba wrote:
“What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I’m so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Kris.”

Kristofferson was a solo artist, an actor, a member of the Highwaymen, and a well-respected songwriter. He wrote tracks that many other artists made famous, including “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and “Me and Bobby McGee.”

To honor his legacy, Reba delivered a raw and powerful a cappella rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee”—a song Kristofferson co-wrote and made legendary, alongside Janis Joplin’s iconic posthumous version.

The arena fell silent as Reba’s voice echoed with emotion, inviting the crowd to sing along in a moment that felt both intimate and unifying. With tears in her eyes, she not only honored Kris, but also other cherished members of the country music family who passed in the past year:
Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys, beloved songwriter Melba Montgomery, acclaimed producer Ben Vaughn, and Carl Dean, the devoted husband of Dolly Parton for 60 years.

“They all brought music into our lives,” Reba said, “and they live on forever in our hearts.”

A beautiful, unforgettable tribute to a man whose words helped shape the soul of country music. Watch McEntire’s “In Memoriam” segment at the 2025 ACM Awards below, including her “Me and Bobby McGee” tribute to Kristofferson.