Kris Kristofferson and Lisa Meyers’ love story may have not started off as a fairytale, but the connection and attraction they felt for each other spoke more than just magic. And it was so strong that despite the fear that Kris felt after two failed marriages, he gave it a shot. Thirty-eight years later, his choice proved to be one of his best as he continues to enjoy a good life with a loving wife and eight children.
So, how exactly did Lisa Meyers and Kris Kristofferson cross paths, and what are they up to now?
First Chapter: Third Time’s The Charm
Kris Kristofferson has always been known as one of the best and most successful country musicians of his time and deservingly so. His hits were not just chart-topping but also so well-loved by the country community that they were covered by other legendary greats. But just like the fate of many who enjoyed success, his personal love life didn’t get that much luck.
Kris first tied the knot back in 1960 with his wife, Fran Beer. The two welcomed their first child Tracy in 1962. And then, four years later, they had their second son Kris Jr. before they finally went their separate ways in 1969. After their divorce, he met seventies songbird, Rita Coolidge, during a flight from L.A. to Memphis in 1971. There was an instant connection between them which Rita liked to playfully call ‘love at first flight.’ Two years later, the couple walked down the aisle to exchange their vows in a headline-making marriage. And in 1974, they welcomed their only child and Kris’ first daughter named Casey. Sadly, their marriage ended after seven years, and the couple split in 1980.
After two failed marriages, Kris Kristofferson poured his life into the road, escaping the pain of heartbreak through performing. But everything changed for him when he crossed paths with Lisa Meyers in 1982.
Who is Kris Kristofferson’s wife, Lisa Meyers?
At the time that Kris Kristofferson and Lisa Meyers met, Lisa was still studying law at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and the two had a 20-year age gap (Lisa was born on September 29, 1956).
As the story went, they met at a gym, and they were looking at each other. As a ploy, Kris borrowed a piece of equipment from her. But at that time, Kris was still gun-shy about any relationship that was more than just a one-night stand, and he was definitely not ready to settle for a third marriage. But he couldn’t deny the connection they had, and so even though he was reluctant, he took the shot.
Second Chapter: Through Thick and Thin
Kris’ decision to risk it all proved to be one of his best decisions yet. They started dating, and just a year later, they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony held in the Pepperdine University Chapel. The same year, the couple welcomed their first son Jesse together. And it wasn’t long before Jesse got siblings – Jody came in two years after him, Johnny in 1998, and Kelly in 1990. And then in 1994, the couple finally completed their big family with their youngest kid Blake.
While the two tended to their big family, including Kris Kristofferson’s kids from his previous marriages, the singer continued to release more songs and hits. But his success came in with a challenge. In 2016, the singer was diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Initially, the doctors thought he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease as he had been having memory issues for years, but Meyers didn’t think it was right. Three years later, Kris was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease. And through all that, his wife Lisa was his constant and biggest support.
In an interview with Huffington Post, Lisa shared how they dealt with the disease. She said that they took it lightheartedly, laughing about Kris’ deficits in spatial awareness as well as his short-term memory loss. Lyme disease can be very tragic, and that there will be a difference in the quality of life, so they always try to make the best time out of every day and counterbalance the sadness so that it won’t take them down. She also added that getting Kris to laugh makes him not only happier but also healthier.
Third Chapter: The Retirement
After more than five decades of writing songs and performing, the 84-year-old singer-songwriter finally decided to quietly retire with his wife to his longtime home in Maui, Hawaii. According to his manager Tamara Saviano, Kris’ health is good, and that the decision to retire was brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
As of now, Kris Kristofferson and Lisa Meyers have definitely been enjoying time with their family and the community in Hana, just at the east end of Maui. The couple continues to be involved in whatever’s happening around, and they have even generously donated computers for the high school, according to Principal Rick Paul.