The death of Kris Kristofferson has left a deep impact on countless fans around the globe. Among those deeply affected by his passing is his ex-wife, Rita Coolidge.
To learn more about what Rita has been up to lately, keep reading.
Rita Coolidge was a major figure in the music scene during the 1970s. Though she gained initial fame for her talent, her personal life soon became a focal point of media attention. Now in her late 70s, fans are amazed by how gracefully she has aged.
Coolidge began her rise to stardom in the 1960s after moving to Memphis, where she worked as a backup singer for Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Her incredible voice soon led her to collaborate with some of the most famous musicians of the time, including Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, and Stephen Stills.
When she later moved to Los Angeles, her career took off. She signed with A&M Records and released her debut album in 1971.
Though the album didn’t achieve commercial success, it established her as a respected artist. Her career took a significant leap when she married country music star Kris Kristofferson in 1973.
The duo became a well-known power couple in the music industry, collaborating on projects that led to two Grammy wins—one for “From the Bottle to the Bottom” in 1974 and another for “Lover Please” in 1976.
While their professional life flourished, their marriage faced numerous struggles. Coolidge has since spoken about the challenges they faced together, noting that while she didn’t want to portray Kristofferson negatively, their relationship had its difficult moments.
The couple’s story began when they met on a flight from Los Angeles to Memphis in 1971, with Kristofferson jokingly calling it “love at first flight.”
Kristofferson was originally headed to Nashville for a business meeting, but changed his plans to be with Coolidge. “By the end of that night, we’d already picked a name for our first child. I was sure we were meant to be together,” she recalled.
The couple’s personal connection was undeniable, and their professional collaborations were equally electric, mesmerizing audiences with their music.
As Kristofferson’s acting career took off, rumors swirled that Coolidge was using him for professional gain. She quickly dismissed these claims, pointing out, “When Kris and I were touring, he wasn’t the one with the hit records—I was. We were equals in both our work and our relationship.”
Coolidge openly shared how Kristofferson’s acting career impacted their partnership. With film offers rolling in, he spent less time in the recording studio, creating distance between them.
She also spoke about the emotional abuse she endured, saying he often belittled her talent. “Maybe he feels I mistreated him too, but I don’t think I did. It wasn’t constant, but it was enough to make me cry every day, and that’s no way to live.”
During their marriage, the couple welcomed a daughter named Casey. Tragically, they lost their second child, a heartache that added strain to their relationship.
By 1980, their marriage had unraveled, leading to their divorce. Coolidge chose to focus on her own career without seeking a financial settlement, wanting a clean break. “I didn’t think staying together was doing her any favors when it was clear her parents were not in sync,” she said. Despite the difficulties, they maintained a special bond even after the split.
In a 2016 interview, she reflected on their relationship, saying, “Kris and I share a connection. We laugh at things no one else understands. It’s a bond that goes beyond explanation.” When asked if they might perform together again, she replied with a smile, “Never say never.”
Kristofferson passed away on September 28, 2024, at age 88, surrounded by loved ones at his Maui home. His family issued a statement after his passing, saying he died peacefully.
“We’re grateful for the time we had with him. Thank you for loving him over the years, and whenever you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down on us,” the statement read.
As for Rita Coolidge, she has been doing well in recent years. Fans have marveled at how youthful and vibrant she looks. Her social media is filled with comments from admirers praising her appearance.
“You look amazing!” one fan wrote on a recent photo. Coolidge was still touring into her 60s, and another fan remarked, “You’re a true talent and such a beautiful woman.” A third person simply added, “Rita looks fantastic!”
Farmer Finds Pasture Empty, Sees All 32 Dead Cows In One Big Pile
This time of year, lightning strikes and thunderclaps are common in Missouri.
The recent extreme weather and water have caused significant harm to the area.
After feeding the dairy cows on a Saturday morning, Jared Blackwelder, a farmer in Springfield, and his wife Misty heard loud crashes, but they didn’t pay any attention to it.
However, Blackwelder discovered the horrifying sight when he returned to the field to gather the cows for the milking at night: his thirty-two dairy cows were dead and stacked on top of each other in the mulch.
“He went out to bring the cows in and that’s when he found them,” stated Stan Coday, president of the Wright County Missouri Farm Bureau, as reported by CBS News.It happens a lot. It does happen. The worst thing about this issue was the sheer number of animals affected.
Coday was informed by the local veterinarian conducting the examination that the cows’ deaths were actually caused by lightning.
Perhaps while the storm raged overhead, the cows coordinated their retreat under the trees.
“You’re at the mercy of mother nature,” Coday said, mentioning that a few years before he had lost a cow to lightning.
Farmers are aware of the possibilities, but Coday stated that it is very difficult to experience such a loss.
They are nothing like pets. But all of the ones I’m milking, I’ve grown,” Blackwelder told the Springfield News-Leader.They are a little different because you handle dairy animals twice a day. It knocks you quite hard.
It’s a financial disaster as well.
Although Blackwelder claimed to have insurance, the News-Leader expressed doubt about its ability to cover his losses.
According to his estimation, the value of each certified organic cow ranges from $2,000 to $2,500, meaning that the total is around $60,000.
According to Coday, “the majority of producers don’t have insurance.””Losing a cow means you lose everything.”
In answer to questions from neighbors, Coday, a beef cow breeder, would want to clarify that it was not possible to retrieve any meat from Blackwelder’s animals.
He said, “Those animals are damaged, and when he found them, it was clear they had been there for a few hours.”Processing an animal requires that it go through a specific process. It would not have been appropriate for humans to consume them.
Coday also mentioned that the majority of Missourians do not own a separate cow barn due to the state’s milder climate.
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