John Prine

Here’s some amazing news: John Prine is now in stable condition after being hospitalized in intensive care due to complications related to the coronavirus.

Prine, 73, was placed on a ventilator upon his arrival to the hospital on Saturday. In a statement released Sunday evening, Prine’s wife and manager, Fiona, described John’s condition as “critical.”



Now, according to a new update from Fiona, her husband’s condition has improved. “He is stable,” Fiona wrote, but asked fans to “continue to send your amazing Love and prayers.”

“Sing his songs. Stay home and wash hands,” Fiona added. “John loves you. I love you.”

Update: Fiona Prine has shared a further update clarifying her husband’s condition. “I need to clarify what I mean by ‘John is stable.’ That is not the same as improving. There is no cure for Covid-19. He needs our prayers and love – as do the thousands of others who are critically ill. Stay at home. Wash your hands. We love you.”

Fiona herself previously tested positive for the coronavirus, but she has now recovered. When she first was diagnosed, Fiona expressed great concern for her husband: “This would not be a good virus for him to get, or anyone like him in his age group with his underlying health conditions,” she said. John has a history of underlying conditions, including cancer of the neck.

I have recovered from Covid-19. We are humbled by the outpouring of love for me and John and our precious family. He is stabile. Please continue to send your amazing Love and prayers. Sing his songs. Stay home and wash hands. John loves you. I love you — Fiona Whelan Prine (@FionaPrine) March 30, 2020

I need to clarify what I mean by “John is stable”. That is not the same as improving. There is no cure for Covid-19. He needs our prayers and love – as do the thousands of others who are critically ill. Stay at home. Wash your hands. We love you. — Fiona Whelan Prine (@FionaPrine) March 30, 2020

Upon hearing news of Prine’s hospitalization, several musicians have paid tribute to the legendary songwriter by covering his songs. Below, watch My Morning Jacket’s Jim James cover “All the Best”; Joan Baez play “Hello In There”; and Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker perform a version of “Summer’s End”.