The country music world is in mourning today after the death of the legendary musician and songwriter John Prine. Prine tragically lost his fight with COVID-19 on Tuesday at the age of 73. Since his passing, country music stars and organizations have flooded social media to pay tribute to this American country folk icon.
Country Music Hall Of Fame Honors John Prine
The Country Music Hall Of Fame released a statement of mourning to Entertainment Tonight through their CEO Kyle Young:
“Made from a mold now broken, John Prine was a walking, grinning argument for human beings as a pretty good species. In John’s songs, humor and heartache dance together like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. His words and melodies draw chuckles and blood, and tears of sorrow and redemption, all leading to truths widely known but never before articulated. John’s mind was a treasure chest, open to us all. We mourn his passing, even as we hold the treasure.”
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Country Music Stars Pay Tribute
Superstars of the music world have been paying tribute to Prine as well.
“The great John Prine has passed away from the virus. He showed me how to “let it rip” when it comes to songwriting. There’s a huge hole in the music world tonight. John did it best. RIP -T,” singer Toby Keith tweeted.
The great John Prine has passed away from the virus. He showed me how to “let it rip” when it comes to songwriting. There’s a huge hole in the music world tonight. John did it best. RIP -T
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) April 8, 2020
Miranda Lambert posted a photo of herself with Prine captioned with a broken heart and the simple words, “thank you for everything. One and only.”
Sheryl Crow also paid tribute to Prine, writing, “My heart hurts learning that John Prine has passed away. He is singing with the angels. You will be missed but your songs will live on.”
My heart hurts learning that John Prine has passed away. He is singing with the angels. You will be missed but your songs will live on. ❤️
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) April 8, 2020
“It hurts so bad to read the news,” tweeted country music star Margo Price. “I am gutted. My hero is gone. My friend is gone. We’ll love you forever John Prine.”
It hurts so bad to read the news. I am gutted. My hero is gone. My friend is gone. We’ll love you forever John Prine.
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) April 8, 2020
Recording Academy Honors Prine
The Recording Academy released a lengthier statement through their interim president/CEO, Harvey Mason honoring Prine and touting his many accomplishments:
“We join the world in mourning the passing of revered country and folk singer/songwriter John Prine. John earned 11 GRAMMY nominations and received two GRAMMY Awards for Best Contemporary Folk Album, one for The Missing Years at the 34th GRAMMYs and another for Fair & Square at the 48th GRAMMYs.”
“His self-titled debut album was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame® in 2015, and just recently he was announced as a 2020 Recording Academy® Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for his contributions to music during his nearly five-decade career. Widely lauded as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, John’s impact will continue to inspire musicians for years to come. We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
Brandi Carlile Honors ‘Handsome Johnny’
In the days before the country folk singer’s death, after it was revealed he was battling coronavirus, country music stars took to social media to pray for him.
“Come on handsome Johnny. We need you here just a little while longer,” Brandi Carlile wrote on Instagram. “You’ve given us all so much and you are so loved. I’m praying for you and Fiona tonight and every day until this is over. ❤️ to say that I love you both doesn’t even begin to tell the story.”
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After Prine’s death, Carlile posted a touching video of him and herself practicing together.
“We’re so lucky to have had you,” she wrote alongside the video. “You were always free. Now that you’re home and free from pain, I’m gonna pray for Fiona and the kids with everything I’ve got. Thank you for every single time I got to stand beside you and sing those once in a lifetime songs. “
The American country folk legend also served in the Army. You can enjoy one of his most iconic songs below. Prine wrote “Sam Stone” (1970) just after getting out of the Army.
Prine’s lifetime achievements included his induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame as well as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award just this year.
There really will never be anyone else like John Prine.
Please join us in saying a prayer for him and his family during this difficult time.
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