Singer-songwriter John Prine in stable condition with COVID-19
The Associated Press | Posted: March 30, 2020 6:54 PM | Last Updated: March 30, 2020
73-year-old's family says he is on a ventilator but doing better
Musician John Prine is in stable condition after being placed on a ventilator while being treated for COVID-19-type symptoms, his wife, Fiona Whelan Prine said Monday.
The singer-songwriter's family said Sunday that Prine was critically ill. Fiona Prine's message Monday on social media, suggested his condition had improved overnight. Prine remains in hospital.
"Please continue to send your amazing love and prayers," she said on Twitter. "Sing his songs. Stay home and wash hands. John loves you. I love you."
Prine, one of the most celebrated songwriters of the past half century, received a Grammy lifetime achievement award this year. He has continued to tour and record recently.
News that his health was in jeopardy provoked an outpouring of affection for Prine. Joan Baez responded with a video of her playing his song "Hello In There" from her kitchen.
Other members of the music community and celebrities from other media also reacted on social media.
"Sending our love to each of y'all. Hoping for the best," tweeted Jason Isbell. "Sending every positive thought I have left your way, John," wrote Seth Meyers. "Get well soon John!" tweeted Mark Hamill.
Fiona Prine earlier in March tested positive for coronavirus and said the couple was quarantined and isolated from each other. Fiona Prine, who is also Prine's manager, said Monday that she has recovered from COVID-19.
The 73-year-old Prine, one of the most influential in folk and country music, has twice fought cancer. Most recently, he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and had part of a lung removed.
The surgeries affected his voice, but he continued to make music and to tour. Before the onset of the virus, Prine had shows scheduled in May and a summer tour planned.