THE Irish wife of singer/songwriter, John Prine has appealed to people to heed coronavirus guidelines following his death from Covid-19.
Fiona Whelan Prine from Ardara in Co Donegal issued a poignant message after 73-year-old husband died on Tuesday. Ms Whelan was also hospitalised for treatment for the virus last week.
Leading country singer-songwriter, Prine was a frequent visitor to Donegal. He enjoyed success through his own performances with hits such as The Speed of the Sound of Loneliness.
His songs were in huge demand and were covered by some of the world’s leading performers, from the Everly Brothers to Johnny Cash and Joan Denver. Daniel O’Donnell recorded one of his greatest musical successes with Prine’s I Just Want To Dance With You.
Ms Whelan Prine said there were no words to describe her family’s grief following the singer’s death in Nashville.
She said: “John was the love of my life and adored by our sons Jody, Jack and Tommy, daughter-in-law Fanny and by our grandchildren. John contracted Covid-19 and, in spite of the incredible skill and care of his medical team at Vanderbilt (medical centre), he could not overcome the damage this virus inflicted on his body.”
She said she was “forever grateful” for the chance to sit with her husband, who was heavily sedated, in the hours before he died. She also issued an appeal to the general public.
“My dearest wish is that people of all ages take this virus seriously and follow guidelines set by the CDC (Centres for Disease Control),” she said.
