What started as a celebration of faith and friendship has become one of country music's most emotional farewell stories. Tanya Tucker is opening up about the making of "On My Way to Heaven," a powerful gospel collaboration with Dennis Quaid that unexpectedly became the final song and final acting performance by the late Kris Kristofferson.
The song, released today through Gaither Music Group, was filmed and recorded back in 2019. At the time, no one involved could have imagined that the project would eventually serve as Kristofferson's final recorded musical statement before his death in 2024.
Listen to the song here.
"There's a song by Brad Paisley called 'Last Time for Everything,' and you never know when something good is going to end," Tucker reflected in a recent interview.
While she knew Kristofferson's health was declining, Tucker admits she never wanted to consider that this could be the last time they would work together.
"The whole goal for me was to have it out when he could be here," Tucker shared. "That's the only God thing that didn't happen."
Written by Dennis Quaid as a tribute to his mother on her 91st birthday, "On My Way to Heaven" carries themes of forgiveness, redemption, and hope. The cinematic music video, directed by John Carter Cash, brings those themes to life while capturing one final performance from Kristofferson, making the project even more meaningful today.
The release also marks a special reunion between Tucker and Quaid, whose friendship stretches back more than four decades. Together with Kristofferson and Cash, they created a project that blends music, film, and faith into a moving testament of friendship.
Now, seven years after it was recorded, the song is finally reaching audiences-and carrying an emotional weight no one could have anticipated.
For Tucker, the release is bittersweet. She had even hoped to record a tribute EP honoring Kristofferson while he was still alive and involved in the process. That dream never materialized, leaving her with lingering regrets but also deep gratitude for the final memories they shared.
With its Grand Ole Opry world premiere set for June 20, just days before what would have been Kristofferson's birthday, "On My Way to Heaven" feels less like a new release and more like a final gift from one of country music's most beloved legends.
And for fans hearing Kris Kristofferson's voice once more, it may be one final reminder that the greatest songs never really say goodbye.
