John Prine’s wife is urging other people to take coronavirus seriously after her husband died of Covid-19 complications.
Fiona Whelan Prine, who was also the artist’s manager, shared a statement on social media on Wednesday, the day after his passing in Nashville, Tennessee.
“We have no words to describe the grief our family is experiencing at this time,” she wrote. “John was the love of my life and adored by our sons Jody, Jack and Tommy, daughter-in-law Fanny, and by our grandchildren.”
She said that Prine, 73, “contracted Covid-19 and in spite of the incredible skill and care of his medical team at Vanderbilt he could not overcome the damage this virus inflicted on his body”.
“I sat with John – who was deeply sedated – in the hours before he passed and will be forever grateful for that opportunity,” she added.
“My dearest wish is that people of all ages take this virus seriously and follow guidelines set by the CDC.
“We send our condolences and love to the thousands of other American families who are grieving the loss of loved ones at this time – and to so many other families across the world.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of love we have received from family, friends, and fans all over the world. John will be so missed but he will continue to comfort us with his words and music and the gifts of kindness, humour and love he left for all of us to share.”
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family is requesting that donations be made at one of three non-profits: Thistle Farms, Room in the Inn, and Nashville Rescue Mission.
