Kris Kristofferson singing “Me and Bobby McGee” with his friends and fans Martina McBride, Lady A and Jewel is too heartwarming, and you can feel the love for the country legend every time Jewel looks at him

At age 78, Kris Kristofferson performed “Me and Bobby McGee” with Martina McBride, Jewel, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott of Lady A. The participating artists were presented as both friends and admirers of the country legend, and Kristofferson appeared grateful for the affection they showed him throughout the collaboration. Jewel’s repeated looks toward him made that warmth especially visible.

Kristofferson opened the number with a voice likened to the reassuring feel of an old leather jacket. As he delivered the hook, McBride, Jewel, Kelley and Scott applauded him like an enthusiastic group of fans. They later rotated through vocal parts and joined in harmony on the song’s melodies, sharing the performance rather than leaving Kristofferson to carry it alone.

The rendition felt less like a formal showcase than a gathering of longtime companions singing for the pleasure of it. It also served as a celebratory turn for one of country music’s leading figures. The accompanying band played an important part in the performance, supplying its groove and handling the instrumental solos behind the assembled singers.

After Kristofferson died on September 28, 2024, listeners returned to the video to remember him. The collaborative version of “Me and Bobby McGee” became a major viral success and reached 16.5 million views on YouTube. Comments left beneath it praised both Kristofferson and the informal musical setting captured in the performance.

Watch the full performance on page two