The US country music star died “peacefully” at his home in Maui, Hawaii on Saturday surrounded by family, a representative confirmed.
“We’re all so blessed for our time with him,” a family statement added.
“Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
Kristofferson left an indelible mark on fans during his six-decade career, becoming a leading figure in country music, winning the Grammy for best country song in 1972 for Help Me Make It Through the Night, as well as two Grammy-winning duets with his former wife, Rita Coolidge, in 1974 and 1976.
He also graced the silver screen, winning a Golden Globe for his portrayal of destructive rocker John Norman Howard opposite Streisand’s Esther Hoffman in the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born.
Sharing a tribute on Instagram, Streisand said “I knew he was something special”, the first time she saw him perform.
Number one on the list has been streamed 265,702,382 times on Spotify.
Streamed 57,297,932 times, making it the second-most popular song on the streaming site by Kristofferson..
3. Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die
The two-minute live version has been listened to 39,755,438 times by fans.
32,351,060 have played this on the music streamer so far.
5. You’re my Best Friend
Another classic hit, this one has been streamed 28,621,331 times on Spotify.
The singer has had this hit played 25,455,122 by fans.
Streamed 18,893,523 times, with the numbers climbing on the hour following news of his death.
8. (Ghost) Riders in the Sky (Live)
Another favourite by fans, this live version was performed at a gig in New York in 1990 and has been streamed 19,015,373 times.
Streamed 16,846,449 times by fans
10. Born and Raised in Black and White
Coming in at number 10 on the list is this hit, which has been streamed 13,813,954 times