John Prine Hospitalized with COVID-19, Remains In Critical Condition
Singer/songwriter and Grammy winner John Prine, 73, has been hospitalized with COVID-19. His team shared an update with his fans…

John Prine; Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
Singer/songwriter and Grammy winner John Prine, 73, has been hospitalized with COVID-19.
His team shared an update with his fans on Sunday (March 29), revealing that he was hospitalized on Thursday (March 26) and intubated on Saturday (March 28).
“After a sudden onset of Covid-19 symptoms, John was hospitalized on Thursday (3/26). He was intubated Saturday evening and continues to receive care, but his situation is critical.” the Prine family shared in a statement on his Twitter. “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
The news comes less than 10 days after his wife and manager Fiona Whelan Prine revealed her coronavirus diagnosis via social media.
“So many people have reached out to ask how we are and especially how John is, because many of you know that he’s had a lot of different health issues over the years, and he is definitely in that vulnerable population they’ve been talking about,” she shared at the time. “So far, he’s fine. He’s always got a little something going on, but he’s 73 years old and he may have some issues, but he may not have this virus and I want to keep it that way.”
She also urged the public to heed warnings about the spread of the virus.
“Please stay home. I think we will get through this if we do it together…I have all of you in my prayers. I absolutely do, and I know that I’m in yours. And we will get through this. Please stay well. Stay home.”
John Prine is regarded as one of the world’s most acclaimed artists and songwriters of all time. Known for a blend of country/folk msic, Prine is a two-time Grammy winner and Lifetime Achievement Recipient, a 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and a PEN New England Lyrics Award recipient. Throughout his career, his songs have been recorded by artists such as Johnny Cash, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and more.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.