Country folk legend John Prine in critical condition after sudden onset of coronavirus symptoms
Singer-songwriter John Prine is reportedly critically ill after displaying symptoms of the coronavirus.
The 73-year-old country-folk legend was being treated for symptoms of COVID-19 and has been hospitalized since Thursday, March 26. He has also been placed on a ventilator, according to his family.
Prine, one of the most influential country songwriters who was a member of the folk revival that began in the 1940s and peaked in the 1960s, is known for his uniquely humorous style of country music that included messages of protest and social commentary, as well as of love and life. As such, his writing is often praised for being evocative and eloquent in its presentation of current events. He has been named as one of the best songwriters by the likes of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Roger Waters (co-founder of Pink Floyd).
Prine also recently featured on two tracks titled 'Memories' and 'Please Let Me Go Round Again' on swamp-country musician Swamp Dogg's latest album 'Sorry You Couldn't Make It'. The experience was special for the two artists who hadn't seen each other since the 1960s.
The artist has already battled cancer twice, including his more recent struggle with lung cancer in 2013 that resulted in having a part of his lung removed. Despite the surgeries significantly impacting his voice, causing it to gain a more gravelly tone, Prine chose to continue making music and touring. The singer-songwriter was scheduled to perform multiple shows in May and also had a summer tour planned.
But despite having an active year so far with many more exciting events in the works, Prine had to put a halt to all activities due to an unexpected onset of coronavirus symptoms. The news of his condition came via a message posted to his official Twitter account from the Prine family. It begins, "After a sudden onset of Covid-19 symptoms, John was hospitalized on Thursday (3/26)." The message then takes on an even more somber note, adding "He was intubated Saturday evening, and continues to receive care, but his situation is critical."
The news of Prine's precarious state comes as the music industry is reeling from coronavirus-related deaths. Most recently, Grammy-winning country singer Joe Diffie passed away from complications due to coronavirus, only days after revealing he had tested positive.
The Prine family note continues, "This is hard news for us to share. But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now. And know that we love you, and that John loves you."
Prine's wife and manager, Fiona Whelan Price, has also tested positive for coronavirus and had been staying apart from her husband as they both remained quarantined.
The coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has already resulted in over 33,965 deaths worldwide with over 2,484 of those being from the US. As of now, there are over 721,903 confirmed cases of the disease.