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.
I’m devastated by the loss of my friend @JoeDiffieOnline. I can’t find adequate words. But the records he made, that voice, the twinkle in his eye, and our memories cannot be taken away by this disease.
Please celebrate his music today everyone, go listen again to his records. pic.twitter.com/OYiyPTbLCy— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) March 29, 2020
Oh my God. One of the all-time GREAT vocalists. Joe Diffie was my friend. RIP, buddy. @JoeDiffieOnline pic.twitter.com/snWhL5fcLo
— Trace Adkins (@TraceAdkins) March 29, 2020
This is one of my favorite photos of Joe Diffie and me onstage together. This photo hangs in my office to this day. #ripjoediffie I will never forget you! https://t.co/GRxhyEebND
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 29, 2020
Joe was much more than a great country singer ..he was a great song guy as well . He also knew how to put on a show . I will miss you my friend .. Teddy Gentry pic.twitter.com/eOx5vtOdQA
— ALABAMA (@TheAlabamaBand) March 30, 2020
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.
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“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.”
An update on John pic.twitter.com/fPQbv0tLyB
— John Prine (@JohnPrineMusic) March 29, 2020
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:
One of the loveliest people I was ever lucky enough to know. He is a genius and a huge soul. Pray for him. https://t.co/fMWV9OHSzg
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) March 29, 2020
Everybody pray for @JohnPrineMusic ♥️ To say he’s special to me is an extreme understatement https://t.co/28nvKonaYs
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) March 30, 2020
Please keep the great John Prine in your thoughts today. https://t.co/GyU032U4D2
— Beef Boy (@timheidecker) March 29, 2020
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.
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