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Another Legend Hospitalized Just After Country Music Loses Joe Diffie To Coronavirus

The country music world is in mourning this week after singer Joe Diffie passed away due to complications of coronavirus at the age of 61. Before the healing could even begin, they were hit with the news that another of their own is fighting for his life. Country folk legend John Prine’s family confirmed the “Angel From Montgomery” singer is hospitalized due to complications from COVID-19.

Joe Diffie Passes Away

“Grammy-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19),” a spokesman for Diffie told Variety. “His family respects their privacy at this time.”

Diffie passed away just two days after he revealed his diagnosis to the world on Instagram.

“I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment after testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19),” Diffie wrote. “My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic.”

Joe Diffie’s Country Music Legacy

Diffie, who was the first country music star to go public with a positive coronavirus diagnosis, scored over 20 top ten hits during his career. He was best known for hits like “Honky Tonk Attitude,” “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox,” “John Deere Green,” “Third Rock From The Sun” and “Pickup Man.”

The Grammy winner recently released his music on vinyl for the very first time, and listed a full schedule of of performance into 2020 on his official website.

Just last week, Joe Diffie took to Instagram to inform his fans that some of his upcoming scheduled shows would have to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Please pray for all of us and hope we can get America back on track and back to normal,” Diffie wrote. “We definitely will miss all of the fans and we plan on rescheduling any shows postponed! Thanks for being the greatest fans ever! Stay well and see you out there soon!!!”

Country Music Mourns

There was an outpouring of support from the biggest names in country music after losing one of their own. Legends like Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Alabama and more tweeted tributes to their beloved friend and peer, Joe Diffie.

Unfortunately, however, the country world would too soon be rocked again when it was announced that another legend among them was fighting for his life.

Country Folk Legend John Prine Critically Ill With COVID-19

This comes after it was revealed that country folk singer John Prine is in “critical” condition after testing positive for COVID-19. This tragic news was confirmed by Prine’s family on Twitter.

“After a sudden onset of Covid-19 symptoms, John was hospitalized on Thursday (3/26),” Prine’s family stated. “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 had revealed on March 19 that she had tested positive for coronavirus and that she was quarantining separately from her husband, according to The Guardian.

Tributes Pour In for John Prine

In honor of Prine and his wife, legendary singer Joan Baez posted a video of her performing a cover of his classic 1971 song “Hello in There.”

Messages of support for Prine have been pouring in from other stars as well:

The singer-songwriter has been covered by legendary artists like John Denver, Johnny Cash, and Bonnie Raitt over the years. So there is an army of country and folk artists and fans around the world now praying and pulling for John Prine.

This serves as a reminder that the rich and famous are dealing with coronavirus just like the rest of us are. This virus does not see fame, fortune, or anything else: it can infect anyone.

Please keep Joe Diffie’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and please join us in saying a prayer that John Prine makes a full recovery.

James Conrad

James Conrad’s passion for politics is only overshadowed by his longstanding interest in Hollywood. His unique perspective as a gay conservative fuels him to challenge celebrity views and those who think they have a right to tell anyone how to think or vote. James proudly wields his minority point of view to combat identity politics and cut through his typecast. Fun fact: James’ guilty pleasure is the British royal family.