Reba McEntire transformed the 2025 ACM Awards into a powerful tribute as she honored Kris Kristofferson with an unaccompanied, deeply emotional performance of “Me and Bobby McGee.”
One of the most poignant moments of the 60th ACM Awards came when Reba McEntire stepped forward as both host and mourner to pay her respects to the legendary Kris Kristofferson. Her voice alone filled the room as she sang in his honor, choosing not to use any musical accompaniment. The result was a raw, reverent silence that allowed every lyric to land with weight and meaning.
Kris Kristofferson’s passing on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88 left an indelible void in country music. In the days following the announcement, Reba took to social media to post a heartfelt tribute featuring a photo of the two artists sharing the stage, a moment captured years before.
In the accompanying caption, she expressed her admiration with touching words:
Kristofferson held many roles in the music world—solo performer, gifted songwriter, actor, and member of the iconic supergroup the Highwaymen. His lyrical legacy includes timeless classics like “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and the beloved ballad “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Fred Foster collaborated with Kristofferson on “Me and Bobby McGee,” a song that would go on to make a deep impact across genres. Though Roger Miller recorded it first and brought it to number 12 on the Hot Country Singles chart, it was only the beginning of the track’s legacy.
It was Janis Joplin’s rendition of the song, released after her untimely death in 1970, that truly immortalized it. Her take soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, giving the song a whole new life and emotional dimension that resonated with generations.
Kristofferson later performed the song himself, often including it in his solo shows and during concerts with the Highwaymen, cementing it as a cornerstone of his artistic expression and his personal connection to storytelling through song.
Back in 2016, McEntire had already expressed her love for the song and Kristofferson’s legacy. During a tribute event in Nashville, she sang “Me and Bobby McGee” live, and Kristofferson joined her on stage midway, creating an unforgettable moment of harmony and mutual admiration.
Reba Recognizes Members Of The Country Music Family Who Passed Away During “In Memoriam” Segment At The ACM Awards
When McEntire stepped on stage at the 60th ACM Awards to sing “Me and Bobby McGee,” the song’s meaning carried more weight than ever. Her decision to perform it a cappella, without any musical backing, drew the crowd into a shared moment of remembrance. She gently invited the audience to sing along, making the tribute a collective farewell.
As her voice cracked with emotion, she paused briefly, eyes glistening, before sharing a heartfelt message about Kristofferson and the others who had left the stage of life too soon. The silence was heavy, yet reverent, filled only with memory and gratitude.
“Tonight, we honor Kris and every cherished soul in our country music family who passed this year. That includes my dear friend Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys, the unforgettable Melba Montgomery, the deeply admired producer Ben Vaughn, and Carl Dean—beloved husband to Dolly Parton and her quiet strength for six decades. Their music, their presence, lives on in all of us.”
Watch McEntire’s moving “In Memoriam” performance from the 2025 ACM Awards, including her a cappella tribute to Kris Kristofferson.
