Country music legend Kris Kristofferson retires, wrapping up 55-year career

Country music legend Kris Kristofferson quietly retired last year, according to a release from his longtime publicist.

The news comes alongside the announcement that the 84-year-old's estate will have management representation by Morris Higham Management. The musician's son, John Kristofferson will now oversee the family's businesses, and will work alongside MHM and publicist Tamara Saviano to "spearhead special projects" and manage Kristofferson's independent label, KK Records.

In the release, John Kristofferson says the team will "bring the full depth of his songwriting to a new generation."

"The name has always been synonymous with songwriting as an art, and we’re excited to reintroduce his work to new and old fans alike. We have many exciting projects in the works and I look forward to getting them out into the world.”

The iconic singer-songwriter's 55-year career included writing and recording "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down," as well as film roles in 1973's "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" and 1976's "A Star Is Born."

In recent years, Kristofferson had been grappling with memory loss. In 2016, he told Rolling Stone he believed it was due to Lyme disease, which he was diagnosed with earlier that year.

He gave his final performance last January on the 2020 Outlaw Country Cruise, and closed his set with "Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends" — to a standing ovation.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kris Kristofferson: Country legend retires, wrapping up 55-year career