Willie Nelson speaks out about Kris Kristofferson’s death: ‘It’s a sad time’

Nelson and Kristofferson were both members of the outlaw country supergroup The Highwaymen.

Willie Nelson remembers his fellow robber Kris Kristofferson.

Nelson, who was a member of the outlaw country band The Highwaymen along with Kristofferson, reflected on the country icon’s death in an interview with the magazine Associated Press published on Friday.

Kristofferson died September 28 at his home in Maui, Hawaii, Kristofferson’s rep confirmed to USA TODAY at the time. The cause of death of the 88-year-old man has not been disclosed.

“Chris was a great friend of mine,” Nelson, 91, told the publication. “And, you know, we had a lot of fun together, and we created a lot of music together – videos, films. I didn’t want to lose him. It was a sad time.”

Nelson and Kristofferson formed The Highwaymen with country superstars Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings in 1985. The supergroup’s debut album “Highwayman” topped the ratings. Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, and the title track became a #1 hit.

The group also brought their country chemistry to the video by starring in a Western. “Stagecoach” in 1986.

Following their second album, Highwayman 2, in 1990, The Highwaymen released their final album, The Road Goes on Forever, in 1995.

“He was a great songwriter,” Nelson told the AP of Kristofferson. “He left a lot of fantastic songs for us to sing while we’re here.”

Following Kristofferson’s death, Nelson became the last surviving member of The Highwaymen. Jennings died from complications of diabetes in February 2002. A year and a half later, Cash also died from complications of diabetes in September 2003.

Contributing: Brian Alexander, USA TODAY