A number of country artists paid tribute to John Prine, 73, who passed away on April 7 from COVID-19 complication. Miranda Lambert, Travis Tritt, Jason Isbell, Maren Morris, Margo Price, Kix Brooks, Charlie Daniels and many more shared their love on social media and via statements.
Jason Isbell: “We love you John.”
Margo Price: “It hurts so bad to read the news. I am gutted. My hero is gone. My friend is gone. We’ll love you forever John Prine.”
Maggie Rose: “I Love You So Much It Hurts Me – RIP John Prine . One of my favorite attributes of @JohnPrineMusic was his ability to make people laugh, but also deliver a heartfelt ballad. I’ve never been more grateful for your music Mr. Prine.”
Jack Ingram: “This man. This gentle, brilliant, man. Under any circumstance, this is a blunt force punch to the solar plexus. All the words I keep typing then erasing are just swimming in my head. More like a panicked swimmer that feels like he may be drowning or like a fish out of water…that jumps back in and says “Hey, Fisherman! Quit frowning!” (That is just the only thing I can think of right now that would be close to a tribute to this man I admire greatly. I know it’s either not appropriate, not enough, too much of something… but it’s all I can think of. I wish I could hug my friend, Todd [Snider] right now.) John Prine is what any proper being would be proud to call an ultimate human. R.I.P.”
Trisha Yearwood: “My heart is broken. Godspeed kind man. All my love and strength to your family.”
Chris Janson: “Most every country singer has sang the lyrics, written by John Prine, at one time or another… Missin John. Prayers for the family.”
Lindsay Ell: “We will always sing your songs…. RIP John Prine.”
Maren Morris: “Angel from Montgomery was one of the first songs I learned to play on guitar when I was 12. This one hurts.”
Old Dominion: “Thank you John Prine for your gift to the world.”
Kix Brooks: “Damn it ! Have been holding my breath You could pull this off John ! Breaks my heart! Not just a genius songsmith, but one of the best guys ever- “you will see me tonight with an illegal smile”-I know you fought hard- anyone who loves a great song will live with your legacy-RIPJP.”
Ashley Monroe: “There will never be another that even comes close. Fly high John Prine, you’ve always been an angel.”
Toby Keith: “The great John Prine has passed away from the virus. He showed me how to “let it rip” when it comes to songwriting. There’s a huge hole in the music world tonight. John did it best. RIP -T”
Radney Foster: “John Prine has left us for the stars. The world is smaller now. Godspeed, John.”
Travis Tritt: “Such a tragic loss to the music world! One of the greatest songwriters and stylists any of us will ever know.”
The Oak Ridge Boys: “Saddened tonight by the loss of legendary songwriter John Prine.”
Margo Prince: “My love is with the Prine family. We all mourn now. This is devastating. Absolutely devastating. A loss we can’t comprehend.”
Brothers Osborne: “Rest easy, wordsmith. Forever you will live in your songs. Thank you for your infinite wisdom, subtle humor, and lyrical lessons. You will never be forgotten. @john_prine”
Miranda Lambert: “thank you for everything. One and only. #hellointhere #johnprine.”
Charlie Daniels: “So sorry to hear about the passing of John Prine. Singer, performer and song writer extraordinaire. Rest In Peace Sir, you will be remembered and missed.”
Sheryl Crow: “My heart hurts learning that John Prine has passed away. He is singing with the angels. You will be missed but your songs will live on.”
Keith Urban: “The angel flys home. Rest in blessed peace John Prine. Love and prayers to all of your family and friends. -KU”
Chris Knight: “I am very sorry and sad to hear about John Prine passing away. His influence on me was the reason I started playing and singing in the first place. I learned to play guitar in 1975 by listening to his records. I’m very grateful for what he gave us and grateful for the few times I got to hang out with him. He was a good and kind person, just like I thought he would be. I’m going to miss him.” ~ Chris Knight”
photo by Steven Bergman, AFF-USA.com