Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire Honorary Artist

Additional tributes came from LeAnn Rimes, who called Kristofferson an “epic human being with the biggest heart”; Wynonna Judd, who celebrated Kristofferson as “one of my favorite people on the planet” on Instagram Stories; and Travis Tritt, who called Kristofferson an “inspiration” and spoke of meeting him on the set of the 1999 film Lawless justice (also known as The long kill).

“This hurts,” Trisha Yearwood wrote. “The word ‘legend’ is used a lot, but Kristofferson fits the bill. These are shoes that will not be filled. Be calm.”

And George Strait said: “Artists and songwriters of this caliber are very rare and he certainly left his mark on the world.” My family, like most people, were big fans and we will all miss him. I only knew him on a professional level, but I always felt that it was more due to the kindness and respect he showed me when we met. I will remember these times forever. He's had a really great life and I hope it's just begun for him. God bless Kris and the entire Kristofferson family.”

Of course, plenty of other tributes poured in from outside the world of country music. Tom Morello paid tribute to Kristofferson's tireless work as an activist and Melissa Etheridge tweeted: “I loved this man, his talent, his mind and his beautiful heart.” Highlighting Kristofferson's many achievements as a musician, Rhodes scholar and actor, songwriter Diane Warren added : “not to mention his criminal beauty.” And Chuck D shared a portrait of Kristofferson, calling him “a damn good songwriter.”

From the world of acting, tributes came from Kristofferson's many co-stars, such as Dakota Fanning, who worked with Kristofferson on the 2005 film dreamer. “This legend was so good to me when we worked together,” Fanning wrote on Instagram Stories. “What an honor to have spent time in his presence.”

Josh Brolin, who worked with Kristofferson on the film in 1993 Paper heartscalled him a “poet, kind person, street savant, old school redneck” before sharing lyrics from his 1971 classic “Lovin' Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again).”

And John Cusack called Kristofferson “a true great.” Brilliant songwriter, singer, actor and activist. Warrior for justice.” He added: “You never had to wonder which side of the line he was on. He was always in the intelligent human soul space – come hell or high water. A man and artist I deeply respect.”