John Prine’s Wife Released Her First Statement

She Calls On People To “Take This Virus Seriously”

John Prine’s Wife Fiona issued a statement on April 8, Wednesday, on her husband’s death from COVID-19 complications. She took to social media to share the following message: “Our beloved John died yesterday evening at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. We have no words to describe the grief our family is experiencing at this time. John 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.”

She continued, “I sat with John – who was deeply sedated- in the hours before he passed and will be forever grateful for that opportunity.”

She then reminded people to take the COVID-19 outbreak seriously – that includes practicing social distancing and self-isolation. 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, humor and love he left for all of us to share.”

She concluded the statement by asking fans that instead of flowers or gifts, donation to three nonprofit organizations would be greatly appreciated – Thistle Farms, Room in the Inn and Nashville Rescue Mission.

John Prine died on April 7. Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Rosanne Cash, and other artists have paid their tributes to the legendary musician.