The family of John Prine says the singer-songwriter is critically ill and has been placed on a ventilator while being treated for Covid-19-type symptoms.
A message posted on Prine’s Twitter page today said the Angel from Montgomery singer has been hospitalized since Thursday and his condition worsened on Saturday.
“This is hard news for us to share,” Prine’s family said. “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.”
An update on John pic.twitter.com/fPQbv0tLyB
— John Prine (@JohnPrineMusic) March 29, 2020
Prine’s wife and manager, Fiona Whelan Prine, this month said she had tested positive for the coronavirus.
She said the couple were quarantined and isolated from each other.
The 73-year-old Prine is one of the most influential figures in folk and country music.
Prine was discovered by Kris Kristofferson, who produced Prine’s self-titled debut album with Atlantic Records in 1971.
The critically acclaimed launch saw him record three more albums for Atlantic and an additional three for Asylum Records.
In 1984, he established his own label, Oh Boy Records, and released his subsequent albums there.
His songwriting is widely considered among the best of his generation, focusing with a touch of humor on love, life, social commentary and current events.
He successfully battled squamous cell cancer in 1998, which deepened his voice.
Most recently, he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and had part of a lung removed.
The surgeries affected his voice but Prine continued to make music and to tour.
Before the onset of the virus, Prine had shows scheduled in May and a summer tour planned.
Covid-19 is the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
As of Sunday, it has killed more than 32,000 people worldwide and more than 2,300 in the US.