John Prine Dies Of Coronavirus

John Prine, a revered, Grammy-winning folk-Americana singer-songwriter whose career spanned nearly a half-century, died today of complications from coronavirus. He was 73.

Prine, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame who last year was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the first time, had been hospitalized since March 26 with COVID-19 symptoms and been listed in critical condition for more than a week. Earlier his wife, Fiona, had announced that she also had coronavirus symptoms.

Musicians and entertainment figures are remembering legendary singer-songwriter.

“Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine,” wrote Bruce Springsteen. He recalled the similar critical takes they received when they first arrived on the recording scene at about the same time. “John and I were ‘New Dylans’ together in the early ’70s and he was never anything but the loveliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family.”

Others paying tribute to Prine on social media included singers Miranda Lambert, Jason Isbell, Rosanne Cash, Brandy Clark, Kacey Musgraves, Sara Bareilles, Chris Isaak, Toby Keith, John Fogerty and Ashley Monroe, novelist Stephen King, comic Marc Maron and filmmakers Michael Moore and Taika Waititi.

Bonnie Raitt, who recorded “Angel from Montgomery” in the 1970s, tweeted, “Words can’t even come close. I’m crushed by the loss of my dear friend, John. My heart and love go out to Fiona and all the family. For all of us whose hearts are breaking, we will keep singing his songs and holding him near.”

Jason Isbell, who had performed with Prine on a number of occasions and acknowledged him as a primary role model, expressed gratitude that this is a shut-in moment for performers, lest he be expected to perform through tears right now.

”Made from a mold now broken, John Prine was a walking, grinning argument for human beings as a pretty good species,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “In John’s songs, humor and heartache dance together like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. His words and melodies draw chuckles and blood, and tears of sorrow and redemption, all leading to truths widely known but never before articulated. John’s mind was a treasure chest, open to us all. We mourn his passing, even as we hold the treasure.”