NEW YORK — The wife of John Prine asked Monday for continued prayers for her husband, who was placed on a ventilator over the weekend while being treated for COVID-19-type symptoms
The singer-songwriter's family said Sunday that John Prine was in a critical situation.
Fiona Whelan Prine initially shared earlier on Monday that she had recovered from coronavirus and that John was now stable. Her post suggested Prine's condition had improved overnight, but she later explained that wasn't the case.
"I need to clarify what I mean by “John is stable,” Fiona Whelan Prine tweeted. "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."
“Please continue to send your amazing love and prayers,” she said earlier Monday on Twitter. “Sing his songs. Stay home and wash hands. John loves you. I love you.”
News that Prine's health was in jeopardy provoked an outpouring of affection for Prine. Joan Baez responded with a video of her playing his song “Hello In There" from her kitchen.
Fiona Prine earlier in March tested positive for coronavirus and said the couple was quarantined and isolated from each other. Fiona Prine, who is also Prine's manager, said Monday that she has recovered from COVD-19.
The 73-year-old Prine, one of the most influential in folk and country music, has twice fought cancer. Most recently, he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and had part of a lung removed. The surgeries affected his voice but Prine continued to make music and to tour. Before the onset of the virus, Prine had shows scheduled in May and a summer tour planned.
