ZCZC
BFF-08
HEALTH-VIRUS-US-ENTERTAINMENT-MUSIC-PRINE
Country folk icon John Prine in ‘critical’ condition with coronavirus
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Grammy-winning American singer John
Prine has been hospitalized for coronavirus and is in “critical” condition,
his family said Sunday.
“After a sudden onset of Covid-19 symptoms, John was hospitalized on
Thursday,” his family said in a statement posted to the country and folk
singer’s Twitter account.
“He was intubated Saturday evening, and continues to receive care, but his
situation is critical,” the statement said.
A prolific songwriter and often whimsical performer, Prine, 73, was awarded
a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in January.
He has had past surgeries for cancer in his neck and lung, and last July he
rescheduled upcoming tour dates after doctors advised him he faced a stroke
risk and needed surgery.
“This is hard 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,” his family said in the statement.
“Know that we love you, and John loves you.”
Prine’s wife, Fiona, revealed on March 20 in an Instagram post that she had
tested positive for coronavirus.
In a video posted to her account, she said Prine had also been tested but
his status was “indeterminate.”
BSS/AFP/GMR/0948 hrs