Mary Ann Ashbrook is the mother of Kris Kristofferson. Mary Ann Ashbrook’s son is one of the greatest singers and songwriters in the history of American music, though he may be better known to much of the public as a movie actor. From “Me and Bobby McGee,” made famous by Janis Joplin, to “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down,” and many other songs, the intelligent and insightful lyrics of classic Kristofferson contrast with the depressingly frivolous content of much of today’s country and pop music. As an actor he is known for his roles in films including A Star Is Born,  Stagecoach, and the Blade film trilogy.

Mary Ann Ashbrook: Bio Summary

Who is Kris Kristofferson’s mother?

Mary Ann Ashbrook was born on September 8, 1911, in Tacoma, Pierce, Washington, USA. She is the daughter of Roy Wilson Ashbrook and Anna Louise Adams. She is the sister of Margaret L. Ashbrook, Roy A. Ashbrook, and Barbara Durfee (Ashbrook) Allatt. Mary Ann Ashbrook had English, Scots-Irish, German, Swiss-German, and Dutch ancestry.

Mary Ann Ashbrook was married to General Lars Henry Kristofferson. The couple are the parents of three children- Kris Kristofferson, his sister Karen Kirschenbauer and brother, Kraigher Kristofferson. According to Texasborderbusiness, Kris was raised by a loving Hispanic nanny, Juanita Cantu.

ALSO, READ; Karen Kirschenbauer and Kraigher Kristofferson- Where are Kris Kristofferson’s siblings Now?

 Kris Kristofferson was just six months old when his Nanny Juanita Cantu began caring for him. Juanita was only 13 years old when she was hired by the Kristofferson family to be the nanny.  She also later cared for his sister, Karen, and his brother, Kraig. It didn’t take long for the two of them together with his siblings to develop a loving relationship that would last a lifetime. Per Texasborderbusiness, the Singer calls her “Mom” because he loves her as if she were his real mother.

When the “Why Me” singer performed with Willie Nelson in Austin, Texas during the 4th of July celebration in 2016, he said, “I am so close to Mom, I want to see her.” The following day, he and his wife Lisa boarded a private luxury bus and traveled from Austin to McAllen to spend a day with his beloved Mom.

During Texasborderbusiness‘s interview with Juanita Cantu, she was asked if Kris was a hyperactive child, she replied saying, “No and even though I had permission from Mrs. Kristofferson to spank the children if they misbehaved, I never did have to spank them.  The children were very obedient and I enjoyed them very much”.

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The singer also had some amazing moments with his mother Mary Ann Ashbrook but doesn’t talk much about her. Under pressure from his family, Kris joined the U.S. Army, was commissioned as a second lieutenant, and attained the rank of captain. His father Lars Henry Kristofferson, was a U.S. Army Air Corps officer (later a U.S. Air Force major general).

His paternal grandfather was also an officer in the Swedish Army. When Kris Kristofferson left the military to take up a career as a country singer, his mother was terribly disappointed with him that they never got along. The singer’s family disowned him because of his career decision; They saw it as a rejection of everything they stood for, although Kristofferson says he is proud of his time in the military and received the Veteran of the Year Award at the 2003 American Veterans Awards ceremony.

ALSO, READ; Kris Kristofferson Children: Meet the 8 children of the Singer

Did Kris Kristofferson reconcile with his parents?

It is unclear if Kris Kristofferson reconciles with his mother and father. Sources are unclear on whether they reconciled and their relationship afterward.

What happened to Kris Kristofferson’s mother?

Kris Kristofferson’s mother Mary Ann Ashbrook passed away on February 2, 1985, in Fallbrook, San Diego Co., CA. She was 73 years old at the time of her death. The cause of Mary Ann Ashbrook’s death was not revealed. According to her Findagrave profile, she was cremated, however, the location of her remains is unknown.

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