During one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments of the 60th Annual ACM Awards, Reba McEntire took the stage to honor a country music legend and dear friend — the late Kris Kristofferson.
With only her voice and the silence of a captivated crowd, McEntire delivered a moving a cappella rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee” — a timeless classic written by Kristofferson and Fred Foster. As the lights dimmed and the audience leaned in, it became instantly clear: this wasn’t just a performance — it was a farewell filled with love, gratitude, and reverence.
Remembering a Country Music Icon
Kris Kristofferson passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that spans music, film, and poetry. A founding member of The Highwaymen, a celebrated solo artist, and a revered songwriter, Kristofferson shaped the heart and soul of country music for over five decades.
After his passing, McEntire shared a heartfelt message on social media, along with a photo of the two on stage:
“What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Kris.”
The Legacy of “Me and Bobby McGee”
Originally recorded by Roger Miller, “Me and Bobby McGee” became a defining song for multiple artists — most famously, Janis Joplin, whose version was released posthumously in 1971 and reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Kristofferson himself performed the song throughout his career, both solo and alongside Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings as part of The Highwaymen.
McEntire had previously honored Kristofferson by performing the song with him in 2016 at a tribute concert in Nashville — but this time, she stood alone, carrying his legacy with nothing but her voice and heartfelt emotion.
A Tribute Beyond the Music
As McEntire sang softly through the lyrics of “Me and Bobby McGee,” the crowd at the ACM Awards joined her in a moment of collective remembrance. It was more than a tribute — it was a goodbye, not only to Kristofferson, but to other cherished members of the country music community who have passed in the last year.
With tears in her eyes, Reba transitioned into a heartfelt “In Memoriam” speech, saying:
“Tonight, we remember Kris and all those in our extended country music family who passed on this past year. That list includes my buddy Joe Bonsall from the Oak Ridge Boys, the wonderful singer-songwriter Melba Montgomery, the highly respected musical producer Ben Vaughn, and Dolly Parton’s husband and love of 60 years, Carl Dean. They all brought music to our lives and live on forever in our hearts.”
The tribute was met with a standing ovation — a symbol of how deeply Kristofferson and others have touched the world of country music and beyond.
A Performance for the Ages
Reba McEntire’s performance at the 2025 ACM Awards will undoubtedly go down as one of the most touching moments in the show’s history. Her choice to sing “Me and Bobby McGee” a cappella — raw and unfiltered — made the tribute even more personal and emotionally powerful.
It was a celebration of Kris Kristofferson’s lyrical genius, a farewell to a friend, and a reminder that country music is, at its core, about storytelling, humanity, and heart.
