Remembering Kris Kristofferson: The courageous advocate who stood by Sinead O'Connor

Kris Kristofferson, who passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88, leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a singer, songwriter, and actor.

His family's statement read: "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. 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."

Throughout his career, Kristofferson was known for his empathy and support of fellow artists, including a memorable act of solidarity during a particularly tumultuous moment for Sinead O'Connor. In October 1992, Sinead O’Connor made headlines for declaring "fight the real enemy" and tearing up a photograph of Pope John Paul II during her performance on Saturday Night Live. "I knew there would be an aftermath," Sinead later explained, and sure enough there was.

The act, intended as a protest against child abuse within the Catholic Church, ignited widespread controversy and drastically shifted the course of her career. At the time, sexual abuse by clergy was rarely ever talked about, and certainly not mainstreamed as a topic of concern. Also, let's face it: Her messaging wasn't exactly subtle, either. So, where does Kris Kristofferson come in?

Kris Kristofferson and Sinead O’Connor

Just two weeks after this infamous incident, O’Connor appeared at Madison Square Garden in New York City to perform at Bob Dylan's 30th anniversary concert. Despite the backlash she faced, it was Kristofferson who introduced her to the audience. With a voice full of pride, Kristofferson announced, "I’m real proud to introduce this next artist, whose name has become synonymous with courage and integrity. Ladies and gentlemen, Sinead O’Connor."

However, instead of welcoming applause, the crowd greeted O'Connor with a mixture of cheers and loud boos as she walked onstage, either because they were offended by her stance or felt she had an intentionally "edgy" persona or act. Standing firm in the face of hostility, O’Connor remained composed but clearly affected by the crowd's reaction.

Years later, as abuse in churches became more widely accepted as a topic of concern, more people no doubt came to think, "Oh, so that's why she did it!" However, on stage at the Dylan event, things were still very shaky.

Kristofferson, sensing her unease, returned to the stage and whispered words of encouragement in her ear. Later reflecting on the event, Kristofferson shared his thoughts during a 2010 interview on the Irish show Saturday Night with Miriam. "They told me to go out and get her off the stage, and I said, ‘I’m not about to do that.’ I went out and I said, ‘Don’t let the bastards get you down."

These words were more than just spontaneous support; they were a reference to a song from Kristofferson’s 1990 album Third World Warrior, which included a track titled "Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down."

O'Connor, resolute and unfazed, responded, "I’m not down," before launching into her rendition of Bob Marley's "War," the same song she had performed on SNL when she tore up the Pope's photo and created one of the show's most serious moments. Kristofferson was also not afraid to voice his opinions, having written songs like "Sandinista" (from Third World Warrior). Now the two stood onstage as another bold, defiant moment, with Kristofferson quietly standing behind her in solidarity.

Why this moment mattered in music history

Kristofferson later remarked on O'Connor’s bravery, calling it "courageous" that she stood her ground despite the overwhelming negativity from the audience. He expressed his admiration, saying, "It just seemed to me wrong, booing that little girl out there, but she’s always had courage." And yes, some out there might raise an eyebrow to his regularly calling her "little girl," which might sound dismissive from a hyper-feminist point of view. However, it's undeniable they had a bond, based on mutual respect, continued in the years that followed.

In 2009, Kristofferson recorded the song "Sister Sinead" in honor of O’Connor.

The lyrics reflected his empathy for the singer’s struggles, beginning with, "I’m singing this song for my sister Sinead / Concerning the god-awful mess that she made / When she told them her truth just as hard as she could / Her message profoundly was misunderstood."

The two artists also collaborated musically. During his 2010 appearance on Saturday Night with Miriam, Kristofferson and O'Connor teamed up to perform his classic song "Help Me Make It Through the Night," further solidifying their artistic and personal connection as artists capable of being passionate about causes.

More about Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson’s career spanned decades, from his early success as a songwriter for artists like Johnny Cash and Janis Joplin, to his own chart-topping hits, including "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down."

Like other artists, was an outspoken activist and an advocate for various social causes. O’Connor, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 56, found a true ally in Kristofferson, who consistently championed her bravery and integrity. He was also influential in unexpected ways. For example, his image influenced the character of John Rambo.

As author David Morrell said: "Saddened by the death of Kris Kristofferson, one of my favorite songwriters. He had a great movie career also. Back in the 1972, when I sold the film rights to FIRST BLOOD, I imagined him as Rambo, with his beard and long hair as he’s described in my book."

Though he wasn't an action hero like Rambo, he was still a hero to plenty of people. In the face of adversity, Kristofferson stood by his values and remained a steadfast figure in both the music world and his support for those, like O'Connor, who spoke their truth.