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Kris Kristofferson’s wife of 41 years, Lisa Meyers, and his eight kids released an emotional statement on September 29, the day after the singer-songwriter died.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 28 at home. We’re all so blessed for our time with him,” the family said in a statement posted to Kristofferson’s Instagram page.

“Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”

According to Variety, the first statement was from Kristofferson’s wife, Lisa Meyers, and his eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake, as well as his seven grandchildren.

According to Variety, the singer died at his home in Maui, Hawaii, at age 88, but the cause of death was not given.

Meyers was Kristofferson’s third wife and the mother of five of his children.

Here’s what you need to know about Kris Kristofferson’s wife and kids:

According to People Magazine, Kristofferson met Meyers right after his second marriage to singer Rita Coolidge failed. She was a law student at Pepperdine University and they met in 1982 “at a Malibu gym,” People reported.

In 2013, he told NPR, “I feel nothing but gratitude for being this, you know, old and still above ground, living with the people I love. I’ve had a life of all kinds of experiences – most of them good. And I’ve got eight kids; and a wife that puts up with everything I do, and keeps me out of trouble.”

In 2004, he told the Irish Independent that he “thanks God every day” for his wife Lisa and his kids.

People offered tributes on Kristofferson’s Instagram comment thread after his family posted the statement. “This man was a giant. He was a brilliant singer/songwriter (give ‘To Beat The Devil’ a listen, it’s incredible) and an underrated actor,” one person wrote. “He was generous with his fame, instrumental in helping a couple of unknowns like John Prine and Steve Goodman get their first record deals.”

“Rest easy Kris. Thank you for your spirit, your songs, your spirit, your compassion, and courage. You are one of the greatest songwriters of all time and singing with you at Newport was my favorite musical moment ever. Sending love to Lisa and the family, ❤️” wrote another person.