Yesterday it was revealed that revered country musician John Prine had been hospitalised, and was in critical condition, after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. A post shared to his Twitter account confirmed that the 73-year-old musician had been taken to hospital on Thursday, and intubated on Saturday.
“This is hard news for us to share,” the post says. “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 John loves you.”
Thankfully, Prine’s wife, Fiona Whelan Prine, has since confirmed that Prine is now in stable condition.
“We are humbled by the outpouring of love for me and John and our precious family,” she tweeted. “He is stabile. Please continue to send your amazing Love and prayers. Sing his songs. Stay home and wash hands. John loves you. I love you.”
The couple had been quarantining separately after both exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
News of John Prine’s hospitalisation spurred tributes of hope from his music contemporaries. 60s folk icon Joan Baez shared a cover of Prine’s 1971 song ‘Hello in There’, to show support for the musician and his wife.
“John, this song that I’ve sung of yours has been one of the most requested songs in my repertoire for over 40 years,” Baez said. “So let me sing it to you and send along my best wishes and prayers.” Baez originally covered the song on a 1975 album, “Diamonds and Rust.”
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Watch: Joan Baez cover John Prine’s ‘Hello In There’
Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker shared a cover of Prine’s 2018 song ‘Summer’s End’, and 1971 track ‘Illegal Smile. “I’m beyond grateful for the gift of his songs, sending love to his whole family,” she wrote.
Watch: Adrianne Lenker cover John Prine’s ‘Summers End’ and ‘Illegal Smile’
