For years, Kristofferson, an 87-year-old Texan renowned for penning the hit song “Me and Bobby McGee,” had wrongly received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, a progressive condition characterized by the National Institute of Aging as “a brain disorder that gradually impairs memory and cognitive abilities, eventually hindering basic tasks.”
PHOTO Courtesy | Instagram/@legends_of_music
In reality, the country star was enduring a tick-borne illness called Lyme disease.
Kristofferson Misdiagnosis
Kris Kristofferson initially received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Later, medical professionals tested him for another condition, leading to a new diagnosis.
At present, he is reported to be experiencing declining health at 87 years old. Kris Kristofferson is widely recognized as a singer-songwriter, known for hits like “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Besides his musical achievements, the 87-year-old has also explored acting and other endeavors.
In 2006, Kristofferson began experiencing mysterious health issues, initially diagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease. However, he later discovered the true cause of his ailments.
Kristofferson Diagnosis
In a 2016 HuffPost article, Lisa Meyers, his wife, discussed his diagnosis, revealing that her husband had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 12 years earlier.
This should have prompted Lyme disease testing, considering his chronic muscle spasms, a typical symptom.
During that time, we resided in LA, particularly Malibu, where doctors were not actively seeking or aware of Lyme disease.
However, nowadays, we recognize its prevalence everywhere, even with signs in our local playground cautioning about ticks.
Meyers described her husband’s fibromyalgia as causing intense, painful spasms throughout his back and legs, lasting for eight months.
She recounted how two years prior, he spent six weeks in rural Vermont filming ‘Disappearances,’ often lying on the forest floor due to his character’s leg injury, possibly exposing him to tick bites.
Meyers proposed this as a possible location where he might have been bitten by a tick.
Kristofferson Treatment
Kris Kristofferson’s medical regimen involved antibiotics and other interventions that successfully alleviated many of his symptoms, although he still experiences some memory loss.
“Kris’s treatments have sharpened his mind like never before in the last 20 years,” a close friend of the musician shared with Closer in 2016. “His wife, Lisa, and his eight children have noticed a significant change in Kris.
It’s truly a remarkable medical turnaround.”
Chris Gantry also witnessed the dramatic transformation in the singer following his Lyme disease treatment. “It’s akin to Lazarus rising from the dead and being reborn,” he remarked.
Before resuming touring in 2016, Kristofferson revisited his old music to aid in memory retention.
“Fortunately, I haven’t forgotten the songs,” he mentioned to Closer in 2021. The singer-songwriter returned to touring before officially retiring amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kristofferson Retirement
After retiring in 2021, Kris Kristofferson settled into retirement at his home in Maui, where he spends his time, among other activities, doing yard work. “I have a lot of lawn to mow!” he told Closer magazine that year.
“I want to remain right where I am, on an island with no neighbors and a 180-degree view of an empty horizon. It’s a beautiful sight.” His past medical issues did not affect his decision to retire.
“His health is good,” stated his manager, Tamara Saviano. “He’s enjoying spending time with his family.”
Now 87 years old, Kristofferson has slowed down. “Kris didn’t feel up to touring anymore,” mentioned an unnamed friend to Radar in September 2023.
“Now, he just wants to simplify things for his family by converting his assets into cash that will benefit them in the future.” In August 2023, he put his Mendocino, California ranch on the market for $17.2 million.
The potential sale would contribute to Kris Kristofferson’s already substantial net worth, estimated at $50 million.
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