Lukas Nelson Honors Kris Kristofferson With Stunning “Lovin’ Her Was Easier” Tribute One Year After His Passing
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/lukas-nelson-060325-1-2225a029feaf4843991533e80b9277f1.jpg)
September 28, 2025, marked one year since the world said goodbye to one of country music’s greatest poets — Kris Kristofferson. The legendary Texan, who passed away at 88, left behind not only a towering musical legacy but also a life story that reads like a novel — soldier, scholar, songwriter, and soul searcher.
To commemorate the first anniversary of his passing, Lukas Nelson, son of Kristofferson’s longtime friend and Highwaymen bandmate Willie Nelson, paid tribute in the most fitting way possible: through song.
A Songwriter Honors a Songwriter
During the opening night of his American Romance Tour in Austin, Texas, Lukas performed a breathtaking rendition of Kristofferson’s classic “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)”.
Originally written and released in 1971 for The Silver Tongued Devil and I, the song is one of Kristofferson’s most beloved works — a tender reflection on love, loss, and the fleeting beauty of connection. Though it was never a major country radio single, it still reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Adult Contemporary chart, later becoming a favorite for artists like Waylon Jennings, Roger Miller, and Mark Chesnutt.
Lukas’ stripped-down performance, accompanied only by his guitar, recaptured the quiet sincerity that made Kristofferson’s writing timeless. “Night one of the #AmericanRomance tour paying tribute to my dear friend, Kris, on the anniversary of his passing,” the 36-year-old singer wrote in his caption.
Fans React With Emotion
The performance immediately resonated with fans online, many calling it one of Lukas’ most moving moments to date.
“What a beautiful tribute and a perfect performance. Kris would be deeply touched,” one fan commented.
Another added:
“This is the prettiest thing I have ever heard you sing — the guitar is perfect, beautiful tempo, and soft in all the right places… your voice strong or tender exactly where it should be. Really, quite a special performance. Kris would, I think, be proud.”
Remembering a Mentor and Friend
Lukas’ connection to Kristofferson ran deep. Growing up in the Nelson family meant he was surrounded by the greats — but few left as lasting an impression as Kris.
After Kristofferson’s death in 2024, Lukas penned a heartfelt tribute to the man he called his “greatest inspiration,” second only to his father.
“Kris embodied humility and kindness,” Lukas wrote. “He carried his grace into his words and music with unique eloquence. He was a great among greats. One of the coolest men in music — strong and fierce, with a gentleman’s soul.”
He went on to celebrate Kristofferson’s boundless curiosity and courage:
“A Rhodes scholar who left the Oxford life to be a seeker. He was an aviator, and an inventor of phrases. Kris could land anywhere, and did.”
In closing, Lukas shared words that summed up not only his admiration but also the deep personal bond they shared:
“I grew up with him and his family. I love them, I love him, and I always will.”
A Legacy That Lives On
As Lukas Nelson stood under the Austin lights, strumming one of Kristofferson’s most cherished ballads, it was clear that the spirit of the legendary songwriter still lingers — not just in his timeless lyrics, but in the voices of those who carry his music forward.
Because for artists like Lukas — and fans everywhere — lovin’ him was easier than saying goodbye.
News
🎤 BREAKING: Two Halftime Shows. One Nation Watching. TPUSA Launches “The All-American Halftime Show” 🇺🇸🔥✨ Erika Kirk just shook up Super Bowl Sunday — unveiling The All-American Halftime Show, a live, faith-fueled alternative airing opposite Super Bowl 60’s main event. Backed by Turning Point USA and dedicated to Charlie Kirk’s legacy, the show promises faith, family, and freedom over flash. “This isn’t competition,” Erika says. “It’s a reminder of who we are.” Two stages. Two visions. 📺 Which one will you watch?
A NEW AMERICAN TRADITION — Erika Kirk and Turning Point USA Announce “The All-American Halftime Show” Something remarkable is about…
🎙️ “COMEDY’S NOT YOUR PATH” — Mariska Hargitay Says a Psychic Predicted Her SVU Destiny After Failed Friends Auditions 😱🔮📺 On Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, Mariska Hargitay revealed she auditioned for Friends “so many times” — until a psychic told her to let comedy go. “Six months later… I got SVU,” she said. Now, 25 years later, she’s TV’s longest-running primetime character as Olivia Benson. Sometimes rejection isn’t failure — it’s fate in disguise.
Mariska Hargitay’s Unlikely Path from Sitcom Auditions to TV Legend When Mariska Hargitay recently appeared on Amy Poehler’s podcast Good…
🏈 THE TAYLOR SWIFT EFFECT IS REAL — Music’s Biggest Star Is Rewriting NFL History in Real Time 🎤📈💥 Since Taylor Swift started showing up at Travis Kelce’s games, the NFL hasn’t been the same. Viewership? Sky-high. Jersey sales? Sold out. And stadiums? Now packed with Swifties who’ve gone from playlists to playbooks overnight. She’s not just dating a player — she’s redefining the game. This isn’t a crossover. It’s a cultural takeover. 👇 Full breakdown in the comments.
The Taylor Swift Effect: How One Superstar Turned the NFL Into Pop Culture’s Biggest Stage It’s official — Taylor Swift…
🚫 “ABSOLUTELY NOT” — R&B Star Monica Sparks Parenting Debate Over Slumber Parties 😱🛏️💬 R&B icon Monica just shut down the slumber party debate with one firm answer: “Absolutely not.” The singer says her mom never allowed them — and she’s keeping that same rule for her own kids, sons and daughter. Fans are split: is this smart protection or outdated parenting? One thing’s clear — Monica’s not backing down, and the internet has thoughts.
Monica Draws the Line: “No Sleepovers” for Her Kids — And She Means It In the world of R&B royalty,…
🕵️♀️ CARLY CORINTHOS GOES DEEP COVER — The Disguise, The Mission, and the Move That Could Collapse Everything 😱🎭🔥 Forget everything you knew — Carly Corinthos just flipped the script. In full disguise and playing a dangerous game, she’s infiltrating enemy territory not for revenge… but for truth and redemption. One slip could end it all. One power play? Could bring an empire to its knees. You won’t believe how far she’s gone — or who’s helping her from the shadows. 👇 Full story in the comments.
Carly’s Brilliant Disguise: A Mission Impossible Moment That’s Shaking Port Charles Carly Corinthos has never been one to back down…
🎬 FIRST LOOK: Relationship Goals 💞👀 — Kelly Rowland & Method Man Light Up This Rom-Com With Sparks and Second Chances Get ready for chemistry overload — Kelly Rowland and Method Man star as exes-turned-rivals in Relationship Goals, a fresh romantic comedy where career dreams clash with unresolved feelings. Directed by Linda Mendoza and produced by DeVon Franklin, the film follows two former lovers battling for the same dream job… until love rewrites the rules. Flirty, funny, and full of heart — this is one reunion you won’t want to miss.
First Look at Kelly Rowland and Method Man in Amazon MGM Studio’s Romantic Comedy ‘Relationship Goals’ Amazon MGM Studios has…
End of content
No more pages to load
