Legendary singer-songwriter John Prine has been struggling with his health lately, having to postpone shows due to surgery and cancel shows with nagging hip injury. Unfortunately it appears he’s suffered an even more serious setback this week after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. According to a statement from his family, he was hospitalized on Thursday, March 25 with symptoms of the novel coronavirus and on Saturday he was intubated. The statement reads that “his situation is critical.”
Prine is 73 years old, putting him in the age category that’s most vulnerable to the symptoms from SARS-COV-2, the coronavirus that causes the disease known as COVID-19. One of the most deadly symptoms of the respiratory disease is pneumonia, a lung infection, that requires those with the most serious cases to be hooked up to a respirator – also known as being intubated. The full statement from his family reads:
“After a sudden onset of Covid-19 symptoms, John was hospitalized on Thursday (3/26). He was intubated Saturday evening, and continues to receive care, but his situation is critical. This is hard news for us to share. 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.”
Prine’s wife Fiona Whelan Prine tested positive for the virus on March 19 according to the Tennessean. The paper also reports that she serves as the singer’s manager and health care provider. Prine was tested as well, but the results at the time were “indeterminate.” They were reportedly being quarantined apart from each other and family members.
UPDATE (3/30): A bit of good news today. John Prine’s wife has offered an update on her husband’s health via Instagram, indicating that he’s stable. She also says that she’s recovered from the disease caused by the virus.
UPDATE (3/31): Fiona Prine has offered further clarification after her tweet this morning, indicating that Prine is “not improving.” She stated in a social media post: “”I need to clarify what I mean by ‘John is stable.’ That is not the same as improving. There is no cure for Covid-19. He needs our prayers and love – as do the thousands of others who are critically ill. Stay at home. Wash your hands. We love you.”
UPDATE (4/3): Fiona Prine has offered another update on her husband John’s battle with COVID-19. In a Facebook post, she says that her husband is on his 8th day in the ICU, receiving excellent medical care and compassion from the hospital staff. Like most people suffering from severe COVID-19, John is isolated and unable to see Fiona, which she says “makes this nightmare all the more distressing for me.” He has double pneumonia and needs a lot of help with breathing, plus has developed other issues while hospitalized, which are being treated with medication that includes antibiotics. She concludes her statement by saying, “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.”
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