It’s Monday and even the CMM has a case of the “Mondays”.

On Sunday, we learned that on Saturday Kris Kristofferson, the man with the golden pen and voice, had died. The news hit hard, and stars from all corners of the country music universe—and beyond—are reminiscing about this larger-than-life legend.

Kristofferson gave us classics like “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” but never quite got the solo fame many thought he deserved. Nonetheless, his imprint on country music is undeniable, from his storytelling genius to that wild tale of pitching a song to Johnny Cash via helicopter! The outpouring of love from fans and artists alike shows just how much he meant to the genre.

The tributes are a testament to how much he was respected and loved. Artists like Kolby Cooper and bands like American Aquarium are joining the chorus of voices celebrating his life and contributions. It’s moments like these that remind us why we fell in love with country music in the first place: the stories, the passion, and the legends who leave us too soon.

One particularly memorable moment of his compassionate nature unfolded during Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary concert in 1992, featuring a controversial guest appearance by Sinéad O’Connor.

Sinéad, notorious for ripping up a photo of Pope John Paul II on SNL a day prior, faced an aggressively hostile audience. Unfazed by the crowd’s deafening boos, Kris introduced her as an artist “synonymous with courage and integrity.” When the uproar continued unabated, he walked on stage and whispered his powerful mantra: “Don’t let the b****rds get you down.”

Kristofferson’s song “Sister Sinead,” from his acoustic album “Closer to the Bone,” immortalized this moment, highlighting his solidarity with Sinéad. Despite the chaos, Sinéad stood her ground, delivering another rendition of Bob Marley’s “War,” defined by defiance just as much as heartbreak.