Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes scholar with a deft writing style and rough charisma who became a country music superstar and an A-list Hollywood actor, has died. Kristofferson died at his home on Maui,

Kris Kristofferson, an Oxford-educated Rhodes Scholar and Army veteran who wrote hit songs for Janis Joplin and Johnny Cash before starring in Hollywood movies, died Saturday at his home in Maui, a family spokesperson said Sunday evening.

Kris Kristofferson, who died over the weekend at 88, was one of country music's greatest poets. His work elevated the genre and set a new standard for lyricism on Music Row. The big picture: Kristofferson's sprawling legacy includes well-known work as a singer and an actor.