Remembering John Prine: A Tribute To The Folk Icon Lost To COVID-19

About six weeks ago, on April 7, folk icon John Prine died of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In a new BBC feature, the singer-songwriter's wife, Fiona Prine, details the weeks that led up to his hospitalization and her final hours with him before his death. John Prine was a beloved figure in the music world, known for his poignant lyrics and storytelling ability. His passing left a profound impact on fans and fellow musicians alike.

Prine had a 10-city European tour planned for February that he wound up cutting short due to a previously suffered hip injury that he aggravated while on the road, necessitating surgery on February 18. What wound up being his final show took place in Paris, France, one of Prine's favorite cities. It was his first-ever show in the city, and it was sold out, a testament to the love and support he garnered throughout his career.

After surgery, Fiona Prine says her husband was "looking forward to ... getting back to the life he loved." However, they decided to stay home, knowing the coronavirus could pose a threat, especially to John, who had beaten cancer twice and was 73 years old. They chose to socially distance themselves, thinking it was a wise option. Unfortunately, this decision would soon have dire consequences.

Biography of John Prine

John Prine's Final Days

On March 16, Fiona recalls, they received the results of their COVID-19 tests: John's was indeterminate, and hers was positive. "I had no symptoms and no idea how to react," she said. This forced her into quarantine away from John, a situation she described as tough.

As Fiona developed symptoms and isolated herself from her family, her sister and brother-in-law took care of John. They kept in touch through FaceTime multiple times a day. It was the day before Fiona's quarantine ended when John mentioned he wasn't feeling well. "My heart sank. My stomach churned," she remembers.

When her isolation ended on March 26, she found John weak and with low blood pressure. She rushed him to the emergency room, remaining outside as they took him in. The next 13 days were an emotional roller coaster for Fiona, marked by fluctuating news about John's condition.

The Emotional Farewell

Late on the night of April 6, their 24th wedding anniversary, Fiona received a call from the hospital urging her to come immediately. "I felt like throwing up," she said, but she rushed over and spent John's final 17 hours with him. "He was in deep sedation and hooked up to all kinds of machines," she recalls.

During those hours, Fiona held his unresponsive hand, sang, and played messages from their boys and his brothers. She expressed thoughts and feelings she had never shared before, emphasizing his impact on the world and assuring him it was okay to move on. "I told him that my heart would be broken forever, but he could go on ahead and be with his mom and dad," she said.

John Prine died at 5:26 PM that afternoon. His passing was met with an "avalanche of love" from fans and family, highlighting how deeply his music resonated with people. Fiona mentioned they were working on an online tribute in John's honor, providing a way for fans to celebrate his life and legacy.

Reflections on Grief and Loss

As of May 14, John Prine became one of over 294,000 people who died from the coronavirus worldwide. Fiona expressed her sorrow, wishing that the daily death toll would decrease, noting that she felt a connection with all families who lost loved ones to the virus. "I think about the grieving families around the world, each with their own story of loss," she shared.

In her reflections, Fiona emphasized the shared bond of grief that connects families, allowing them to honor their loved ones as part of history. "Our loved ones will have their very own chapter in the history books to come," she said, highlighting the importance of remembering those who have passed.

John Prine's legacy continues to live on through his music, his family, and the love he cultivated throughout his life.