Kris Kristofferson raised eight kids — Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, Johnny, Kelly Marie and Blake — before his death on Sept. 28 Emily Weaver is a contributing writer at PEOPLE.

According to Variety, the statement was from Kristofferson’s wife, Lisa Myers and his eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, ...

Kristofferson was fresh off his second marriage ... The pair tied the knot in February 1983, and went on to welcome kids ...