Coronavirus has millions across the world and hundreds of thousands in the United States fighting the virus day in and day out. As its spread continues, many notable figures have unfortunately been impacted by the deadly virus spreading across the globe as a pandemic. Nearly a week after the passing of Founders Of Wayne founder and Emmy-winning songwriter Adam Schlesinger, the family of John Prine confirmed that the legendary songwriter passed away Tuesday night due to coronavirus complications. He was 73.
via Billboard:
Americana legend and revered singer-songwriter John Prine died Tuesday (April 7) from complications of COVID-19, Prine’s family confirmed to Rolling Stone and Billboard separately confirmed. The two-time Grammy-winning artist was 73.
Prine was first hospitalized with complications from coronavirus on March 26 and at that time was listed in critical condition. A few days later his wife, Fiona Prine, shared a promising update on his condition on social media.
“I have recovered from Covid-19,” she wrote at the time. “We are humbled by the outpouring of love for me and John and our precious family. He is [stable]. Please continue to send your amazing Love and prayers.” Upon hearing news of his condition, fans came together to show support for the legendary songwriter, but sadly things turned for the worse in recent days. Days before his death, Fiona returned with another update on John via a series of tweets.
“He still needs quite a bit of help with his breathing. Like many patients currently in ICU beds all around the world, John has pneumonia in both lungs. He has also developed some peripheral issues that are being treated with meds, including antibiotics. He is very ill and yet I remain hopeful that he can continue to fight this devastating virus and come home where we can care for him.”
While fans were praying and hoping for a full recovery from the legendary songwriter, Prine’s battle with the virus sadly came to an end just two weeks after being hospitalized. In a 2018 interview with Uproxx’s Steven Hyden, Prine discussed the inspiration for a song on his new record at the time, a song titled “When I Get To Heaven.”
I do have a good story about “When I Get To Heaven.” All I had written was that chorus, about the cocktail and smoking a cigarette nine miles long. I love smoking, and I quit 20 years ago when I got my first cancer. When I see somebody fire up outside a restaurant, I want to go over and stand by them so I can get that first whiff. I miss it that much.
So I wrote this chorus of a song. Before I had the subject matter, the song was like waiting for happy hour. You know, like, “I can’t wait to have my favorite drink at five o’clock, and I might as well have a cigarette that’s nine miles long with it.” And I’m thinking, “Where could I do that?” I can go have the drink, but I’ll never be able to smoke until I get to heaven. I couldn’t have any cancer there, and why would they have “no smoking” signs in heaven? So, that’s why I made the song that way.
May he rest in peace and finally get that nine-mile-long cigarette he’s been craving.
