John Prine’s wife, Fiona, provided an update on her husband’s condition via Instagram on April 2.
Fiona confirmed that John, 73, has been diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as pneumonia in both lungs. John has been in the hospital since March 26 and using a ventilator since March 28.
“He is very ill and yet I remain hopeful that he can continue to fight this devastating virus and come home where we can care for him,” said Fiona, in part.
Fiona’s complete statement is below.
“This is John’s 8th day in ICU . He is receiving excellent medical care and being treated with kindness and compassion by the entire team looking after him day and night.I cannot be with him which makes this nightmare all the more distressing for me. As you know, John was put on a ventilator last Saturday. He still needs quite a bit of help with his breathing. Like many patients currently in ICU beds all around the world, John has pneumonia in both lungs. He has also developed some peripheral issues that are being treated with meds, including antibiotics. He is very ill and yet I remain hopeful that he can continue to fight this devastating virus and come home where we can care for him. I don’t have the words to adequately Thank You all for the outpouring of love and prayers that John and our family has received this last week. It means the world to us to have your love and support at this difficult time. On behalf of me and our boys—Jody, Jack and Tommy—please know that we are keeping you all in our hearts with a prayer that you stay safe and healthy. Please continue to send Love, Prayers and Positive Energy to John. He needs us now more than ever. John loves you and I love you too.”
John is a two-time Grammy winner, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, PEN New England Lyrics Award recipient, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee. John was a recipient of the Recording Academy’s 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award. John’s catalog includes iconic songs “Sam Stone,” “Angel From Montgomery,” “Paradise,” “Hello In There,” “Illegal Smile,” “That’s The Way The World Goes ‘Round,” “Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness,” “In Spite of Ourselves,” “I Just Want To Dance With You” and more.
John’s songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and many others.
