Rita Coolidge’s journey to fame began in the late 1960s when she moved to Memphis and started working as a backup singer for Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Her exceptional vocal talent quickly led her to perform with some of the biggest names in rock, including Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, and Stephen Stills.

After relocating to Los Angeles, she became a sought-after vocalist, lending her voice to iconic recordings and performances throughout the 1970s. Her undeniable talent earned her a solo contract with A&M Records, where she released her self-titled debut album in 1971.

Although it did not achieve commercial success initially, it cemented her status as a respected artist in the industry. Coolidge’s career reached new heights after she married country music legend Kris Kristofferson in 1973.

Together, they became one of the most notable couples in the music world, combining their talents both on stage and in the recording studio. The duo won two Grammy Awards for their collaborations, including “From the Bottle to the Bottom” in 1974 and “Lover Please” in 1976.

Despite these professional achievements, their relationship faced several challenges. Coolidge later reflected on their marriage, noting that while she never intended to paint Kristofferson in a negative light, the difficulties they faced were undeniable.

Their bond was instant from the moment they met on a plane ride from Los Angeles to Memphis in 1971, a meeting that Kristofferson later described as “love at first flight.”

When the flight landed, instead of heading to Nashville, where he had a business engagement, Kristofferson got off with Coolidge. “Before we went to sleep that night we’d picked out a name for our first child. There was no doubt in my mind that we were going to be together,” Coolidge recalled.

In the early years of their relationship, the couple’s chemistry extended beyond their personal lives into their professional endeavors. Performing and recording together, Coolidge and Kristofferson captivated audiences with their harmonies and shared passion for music.

However, as Kristofferson’s acting career began to take off, tensions in their marriage escalated. Critics accused Coolidge of hitching herself to Kristofferson’s wagon, which she firmly denied. “When Kris and I were doing concerts, he didn’t have hit records. I did. We were equal in our jobs and in our relationship,” she said.

Coolidge also spoke candidly about the emotional toll of their personal lives. While she was recording music, Kristofferson kept receiving movie offers, which kept him away from the recording studio.

Coolidge also alleged that Kristofferson was emotionally abusive and belittled her talent. “He might feel that I was abusive to him. I don’t think I was. It was not all the time. It was just enough that I cried every day, and that’s not a good way to live,” she revealed.

The couple welcomed a daughter, Casey, during their years together, but their struggles, particularly after the heartbreaking loss of their second child, strained their relationship further.

By 1980, their marriage had reached a breaking point, leading to their eventual divorce. Coolidge chose not to ask for anything in the settlement, focusing instead on moving forward with her career and raising their daughter.

“I didn’t feel I was doing her any favors by going the distance when clearly her parents were not in harmony,” Coolidge shared. Despite the turbulence of their relationship, Coolidge expressed that she and Kristofferson maintained a special bond, one that continued long after their marriage ended.

Reflecting on their connection in 2016, she said, “Kris and I have a connection and we laugh at stuff that nobody else gets. We just have a bond that is beyond any kind of understanding.” When asked if they would ever perform together again, she smiled and replied, “Never say never.”

Sadly, Kristofferson passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88. Surrounded by his family at his home in Maui, he died peacefully. His family issued a heartfelt statement following his passing, expressing gratitude for the time they shared with him.

“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,” they said in their announcement. To see how Rita Coolidge, 79, has transformed over the years, take a look at her stunning evolution throughout her career.

’70s

’80s

’90s

2000s

2010s

2020s

In recent years, social media users have praised Rita Coolidge for her timeless beauty and grace. Fans marveled at how the Grammy-winning artist had aged, with many commenting on her elegant appearance.

“You look great!” one social media user said of the iconic musician, who was still touring well into her 60s. “You are such a talent and a beautiful lady,” another typed. A third added, “Rita looks great!”

Rita Coolidge’s life has been filled with both remarkable success and personal hardship. From her celebrated music career to her relationship with Kris Kristofferson, she has faced many challenges, including the loss of their second child. Despite it all, she remains a respected figure in the music industry.