John Prine Obituary

My late husband introduced me to John Prine´s music in the early 80´s. Most of his songs seemed to be written about Mike and his parents. I got to take new husband to a concert at the Columbus zoo and the palace theater. I will miss John Prine and Mike VanGundy forever.

I felt very sad at the news of Johns death. I went to see his concert in Tucson the year before and thought it was amazing. I discovered him late and felt he is one of the American Legends in music. A real talent. Will miss you.

Thank you for helping me get my girlfriend to sing a karaoke duet of "In Spite of Ourselves". Miss you John.

I saw John in mn I sang with him truly amazing.

A big fan for many years. Rest In Peace truth teller!

“If I get lost, you can always find her, Standing right beside me in the rain.” Fiona, we’re all still thinking of you & your boys. Much love and shared grief.

Awesome man and musician. Going to miss him.

John's songs carried me through my worst times and my best. Singing and playing them allowed my soul to express what I seemingly couldn't any other way. Thank you John. I miss you more than I have words to say.

I’ve seen the sun , I’ve felt the rain, no one knows but those in pain.
My eyes are closed, my smile is gone, only silence and darkness before the throne.
The greeting I received, was worth the wait, rewards I gathered at the gate.
The Disease was weak, my mind was strong, life’s cruel twists are now gone.
See me now, if you will, my new life it cannot kill.
I’m free to see, with no bounds, to hear and no limits on sounds.
I feel and touch the face of time, it’s endless March is all mine.
Those who stand will someday fall, those who sit will stand tall.
Hold this time to say your peace, soon we will greet and be at ease.
The sounds are crisp, the view is clear, your my fans and I’ve always held you dear.
No time for Covid

Mm mm we gotta go . I. Love this Merry individual. May God continue to love you. Thank you so much.

Thank you John ... we love you so much . Glad to have gotten the opportunity to tell you on several occasions how much your music has meant to me personally & to the world . I treasure the 20 or so times I got to see you perform & I’ll never forget some of our conversations . I did not get to meet Mark Twain ... but I got to hang out with John Prine . Your music saves my life daily . God speed & God bless my friend .

Silence is all but golden. Stars shining bright John Prine died tonight. He's now gone to heaven, leaving us silent on day seven. If only I would have known I could have asked for more time from the throne. The past is the past and nothing can be done. Today is today and lets just save one. The one we save may be the last, lets celebrate from the dye being cast. We are now listening and making a brand new start.

I'm heartbroken over the loss of my favorite singer and songwriter. I will never forget you John. May you rest in peace and I pray for your family thank you for the wonderful songs that you wrote. I play them all the time I don't know which one I like better. Love you very much and You will always be my favorite performer. I will pray for your family and I know that you are in heaven. Love Monica Murray

"-float his ashes down the Green River-"

Great artist.. thanks for your songs John-Carl O'Riordan

I would say that this man changed my life... But he didn't. I grew up listening to his thoughtful words. Words that would show me how to use those words to express every inch of being. I'm grateful to my father and mother for instilling in me that the greatest gift if all is family, and they did that by (among other things) introducing me to John Prine. "Bruised Orange" was always ready for the turntable. If a person can't change after listening to words of this man... That person will never change. Thankfully, I have always been surrounded by love.

No, he didn't change me.

John Prine, whether he knows it or not, made me the person I am and the one I hope I can be.

He didn't change me. He allowed me to witness grace, humanity, compassion.

He didn't change me. I was hooked on his message from birth. Love everyone.

I'm a harmonica player and always work in my garage listening and playing along to John's songs. Always wished I could play along side him. Guess I'll have to wait. God bless John

I love you, John. You will live on forever!

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.

Never felt so close to a person I never met.
I will remember him as long as I live.
God bless John Prine and all those who love him.

RIP John Prine prayers for you and your family Chicago lost a hero from just a fan from chicago

I've been a fan ever since my husband introduced me to John's music about thirty years ago. We've been fortunate enough to see John in concert about 50 times! I am forever grateful that this past year I was able to meet John and Fiona. I was crying so hard when I tried to let him know how much he meant to me that I could hardly talk or breathe. John and Fiona could not have been nicer. They stopped to talk with me, asked if I wanted a photo taken, and were just as kind as you would expect. I will never forget it. Rest in peace, John. Thank you for bringing so much joy into the world.

The world has lost a true star only been listening to johns music for a year, i would have loved to have seen him live, enjoy your vodka and ginger ale and smoke your nine mile cigarette

Rest in peace my friend.

I was introduced to the music of JOHN Prine when my older sister(7yrs older) came home from College in Oregon, back in 1975. She played Dear Abby, and that was the beginning of my love affair with Johns music.
I wonder if his song, Please dont bury me was played at his wake/ memorial?
Im so glad my husband and I had the opportunity to see him live at the Woodland park zoo in Seattle this past year. You will be missed dearly, you, who became friends with many. RIP JOHN.

We had recently been watching John Prine's concert at Austin City Limits, Austin, Texas. We found his humor and songs quite enjoyable. Loved it actually. It broke our hearts when we heard of his death...so more and more we are treasuring his songs. Fans for ever, condolences for the family.

I only just found John Prine through twitter covid19 updates when he got sick with this vile virus. I cant believe Id never heard of him and been playing his music non stop on YouTube ever since. Many teardrops have fallen for John and all the other people who have lost the fight. So good night John. A sad way to discover your lovely words and music and I will strive to share it. Love to your family at this sad time. Remember always to say Hello In There, Hello

John Prine's songs were the cornerstone of my youth. My husband and I can still remember every word of his songs almost 40 years later. I played his music for my children. They were so sad to hear of his passing too. I saw him 2 years ago in Norfolk, VA and am grateful I did. The world lost a great poet. My best to his family and thank you for sharing this fine man with the world.

Missing John, God bless him and sympathy for his immediate family.

I am a fan, but this reverence I have for John Prine has come at a very strange time which is after his death. My husband has always been a fan, but now I am. I am learning his music and I am sorry to say a little late but not too late. Incredible music and brilliant lyrics. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you feel. Mr. Prine was a true gem. I hope each day gets easier and we will miss him and his gift of music.

John, you were the BEST ! I will miss seeing you on stage - but you will ALWAYS be with me and with the many others who LOVED you and your music !

Thank you John for your music of and about life. Enjoy your time in Paridise on the Green River on your way to the Rochester dam, see ya there, I'll wave as you go by. Thanks again for your music of life.
A measure of a persons life is the number of friends that they leave behind. Your's can not be measured John.

Heartfelt love and true, tearful prayers to Johns family, for peace that passes understanding. Only the Psalmist had words like his, and may God comfort Fionas heart, and his childrens hearts. I have no human words to say how he informed my life, just thank you. Ive written a thousand thank you notes, being a girl born in 1955, but words fail at the passing of such a precious friend. You are always with me, JP, and in my kids hearts too. Only you know what that means. I love you like family. Thank you, Fiona and your kids, for letting the rest of us have so much of him. And John, I thank God youre home again, out of this big old goofy world that was exponentially improved by you being in it. Its a much duller place without you.

I have been a huge fan for many years. He was such a genuine man with such a special gift. I am forever grateful for his music and he will be greatly missed. He will live on forever with his music. God's peace & comfort be with each of you during this difficult time. Thank you for the beautiful music John! Rest In Peace!

Been a fan for many years. The world will miss John Prine, but we are grateful that his music will forever remain. Deepest sympathies extended to his immediate & extended families...

One of my greatest influences..Thank You John Prine for all your music and showing us songwriters how to be ourselves..You will be forever missed,always loved and never forgotten..May you RIP...

My Deepest Sympathies

RIP John Prine your truly going to be missed in the world of music and all your fans we all love you. My condolences to Fiona and your family

What a loss of a beautiful social poet. Rip John. Xxxx

First saw John Prine at EZU in Greenville NC. So much different than the usual music acts in the 1970's. There wont be another one like him. So, I say, change one line in his song Hello In There: We lost Prine in the covid war.

Introduced to John Prine at a concernt during my college years in Madison, WI in 1972. It was love at 1st listen! Fan ever since. Both my 2 kids grew up hearing my John Prine albums and have remained fans their whole lives. We lost the man but his music is forever in our hearts & souls.

My deepest condolences to Fiona & kids! John was one of the greatest songwriters & singers I ever knew. I met him with Arlo Guthrie back at the Taste of MN where he was performing on the front lawn of the Capitol. Such a wonderful person with good humor. I have followed him for over 40 yrs. and he has done many great things. Loved his music and him and everything he has ever done. He was a down to earth guy who made you laugh & cry....Crying at his loss and realized I won't hear anymore new songs coming from him. He was a real treasure!❤ I'm glad he finally found happiness in his life even tho he went thru so much to get there!

Condolences to Fiona and her boys. I was a fan since 1975 when I discovered Johns first album while working in a college radio station. Always admired his sense of humor and simplicity. Hes gone too soon and while I saw him twice I regret that I wont be able to take my children to see him. Johns family is in our prayers

Thank you, John Prine. Thank you for being you.
Thinking about John a lot, I wonder if dying now isn't serving some big instinct, much the way his songs were written. His dying is packing the same straight up punch his lyrics have. The stress of the times we are going through right now is perfectly juxtaposed next to the death of a kind generous spirit like John. As if Coronavirus is serving him as a writing companion. "Here, John, if ya got to go, why not go now with me? We'll give 'em a good impactful duet that they won't forget". John could not pass up a strong moment of impact. A teaching moment. It was his nature.
Go well, John. And thank you so very much for all you've given.

Thanks

I felt bereft. He's been a defining part of my life since his first album came out in 1971. My deepest condolences to his family and to the world at this tragic loss.

Mr. Prine was a world treasure! I don't think we will see another genius like him, in our lifetime. We saw him many times over the years. I was a fan from the early 70's on, but hubby got on board in the 80's. We have most all of his music, on vinyl, cassette, and CD. Even the ones he just played on with someone else's CD. Many JP shirts and merchandise from OhBoy.com. We will always cherish them. May God hold the family in His arms, during this very difficult time. RIP

John Prine was in the very first instance a decent human being and our planet is the better for his being here.
Then there is his talent for reflecting the life most people on this planet experience , in the words of his songs and music.
This he demonstrated throughout his career with very little expression of his ego, which always took a back seat to his enormous talent.
I know Fiona will miss him dearly and my sincere condolences to her and his three sons at this very sad time.
God Bless his soul

John,

Thank you for the GREAT Shows and memories, My first show was the Line Camp in Pojoaque NM. You are loved and will be dearly missed. RIP and enjoy that 9 mile cigarette my dear friend....

Mike Padilla

John, your wit humor and insight into everyday life has helped me through some tough times. You were the Norman Rockwell of singer storytellers to me. In more than a few of your songs it's apparent you were a Christian....and i think you are kissing the pretty girl on the tilt a whirl *s If i make it, i'll look for the Angel with a Guitar and not a harp. Rest in eternal salvation good and faithful servant.

John I still remember that day in 1973 when my girlfriend asked, "Have you heard John Prine?" I had not. She played your first album for me and I was never so blown away by pure genius. I'm going to miss you so much. Heaven is a much funnier place tonight. Have that vodka and ginger ale and drink that cigarette three miles long.

It's sad to see a great songwriter and musician pass. He was the greatest of all time. John, going to miss your humor. You will live forever in music land. Prayers go out to Fiona and the kids. Gonna miss ya John, but your music will live for eternity.

John Prine brought a smile to me every time I listened to his music. His music, humor and memories will last a lifetime. He will be missed but remembered. Thank you John. Peace be with you. Love.

Like many, I was smitten with JP music since the beginning, and am saddened by his loss. One memory I will cherish took place around 2014, when Prine played Baltimore on a beautiful, warm September night at the Pier Six Pavilion. Loudon Wainwright III, another great player, opened the show. In mid set, he broke several strings in mid song. Prine, standing off stage, didn't miss a beat, and hustled out and handed LW3 his own Martin to finish. I never forgot that little example of the show's star playing roadie for a fellow musician. RIP, Johnny. You are missed. Our condolences to Fiona and the family.

I had heard your music but did not know who you were till I heard the news of your passing. Almost immediately I wore the pain like a heavy coat. You started your career the year I was born. I could have listened to your music for 46 years. Now I can only hope to listen for the next 46 years. I love that you can take my mind to the places that your stories were told about. Your honest, simple, and eccentric music is amazingly complex. I thank God for your mind, talent, and humor. Don't forget your lighter for the cigarette.

I had heard your music but did not know who you were till I heard the news of your passing. Almost immediately I wore the pain like a heavy coat. You started your career the year I was born. I could have listened to your music for 46 years. Now I can only hope I can listen for the next 46 years. I love that you can take my mind to the places that your stories tell about. Your honest, simple, and eccentric music is amazingly complex. I thank God for your mind, talent, and humor.

I have been a long time fan of John's one of a kind music for many years and will keep his memory alive by enjoying his music till the end.... I had the opportunity to meet John on a flight returning to Nashville and I know what a humble human being he was to all. That is what made him so special, he was just one of us with a talent for putting life into everyday words for all to enjoy. I cant help but smile when listening to When I get to Heaven song, that's the everlasting John Prine. you will live on here on earth while you are playing in heavens band...

I love you John, Thank you for all the music that raised me, rest in peace

My sincerest condolences to his wife. I got introduced to Johns music by my grandmother in the 1980s and RE-introduced to it by Jimmy Buffett.

I am sure John was drinking vodka and ginger when he got to heaven.

Prayers from Cincinnati.

First I want to give my deepest condolences to Johns family. You were blessed to have had a front row seat to Johns extraordinary life. What a wonderful blessing. Second I just want to express my heartfelt thanks to John for the wonderful legacy of music he has left behind. His music shined a light upon lifes highest of highs, its lowest of lows along with lots of laughter mixed in for good measure. He will live on through his music. May Johns soul rest in eternal peace.

Hope he's reuniting with all his kin and joyful spirits with a vodka and ginger ale and a cigarette that's nine miles long. He has brought joy, humour a discerning intelligence to his wonderful music. Thanks.

Thank you for bringing us so much. Time to share you with heaven.

Mr. Prine was one of the greats from
the world of folk music. He was known as Sir John Prine in the local music scene in Wilnston Salem.
By now, John has put his socks in a cedar box and handed down his walkin'cane.
YURR and RIP Mr Prine

Like John, I was also stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army. It was there that I first heard John Prine. A fellow soldier in my platoon from Chicago gave me a copy of Bruised Orange on cassette to listen too. I thought it was pure genius and have been a fan ever since. Thank you, John, for giving us all so much. My heartfelt condolences to Fiona and the boys.

I love John s humor, his music and his humanity. He was truly one of the most influential singer songwriters to perform in our lifetime. We all will miss his wry comments on our society!

His songs showed such humility, sensitivity, and practical advice for living a better life. Those connections stretch back over 40 years to 3 special people who loved his music: John, Jeff, and Betsy.

Thank you, Mr. Prine, for the fond and poignant memories you gave to the world.

He sang of adventures, that were all academic. Sadly he was taken by this cruel pandemic. He sang of life and love, relating to all-days of elation, and days when you fall. Always humble, a kind word to share-down to earth, and willing to care. This musical gift of the great John Prine, will not be the end of the line. From atop of a star, we'll hear him from far. Don't you know it, the soul of a poet, lives on...From devoted fans, Ginny and Gary Noffsinger, North Bend, Oregon

What a feeling of loss but also gratitude for songs that haven taken me through life. I will never forget! RIP

Was a huge influence on my life

John Prine has been my absolute favorite singer/songwriter since 1976 at the age of 17 while sitting in a good friend's bedroom. We were wondering what to listen to and pulled out her big brother's album, Common Sense, which we had never heard. We fell in love, especially with Common Sense, That Close to You, Way Down. After that, of course, we discovered the fabulous haystack album and have been in love ever since. I have listened to John's music this whole week, laughing, crying, and thinking of lots of old memories. I will miss his music, lyrics, voice, vocals, and stories for ever. Enjoy that vodka and ginger ale, John! You deserve it.

Have a short story-I wish to share. We went to see Chris Kristofferson at the Palm Casino. He came on stage first and sang for at least an hour. We had never heard of John Prine. My other half wanted to leave--I said "no" let's stay for the whole show. When John came onto the stage the crowd roared!! We were in awe of the crowd's response. Everyone was nearly jumping out of their seats!!! We listened to his every word and I fell in love with not only his songs-but with his person. He shined. You could see his love. Ultimately, we attended another of his appearances and felt his devotion and love again. As, we sit in our living room today, listening to his tunes, tears flow-we lost one wonderful man. Sincerely.

When you spoke it was like your own Grandpappy sharing a wisdom with a seasoned tone only time could give. Your songs keep me in a perspective I'm so grateful for. Cant wait to see the joint ya open up there.

John Prine will be missed by me everyday for the rest of my life .. But his music will be loved everyday by everyone who has ever listened to 'Hello in there' .. Rest in peace John Prine, you have made the world a better place.

John May you Rest In Peace in Muhlenberg County down by the Green River where Paradise lay. You are gone now but your songs will live forever

Saw him in a coffee house in the basement of one of the dorms in 1971 or 72 at Syracuse University. Anyone else know that place and time? Loved him ever since. Class of 1972

Just a fan who will miss you. You made the world a better place. Thank you for the great music. You will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace!!!

The greatest song writer of all time...his lyrics show a deeply insightful person that has wisdom beyond his years...Deepest condolences to his wife and family...I know you miss him but he will always be in our hearts with his songs his smile and his stories...

John Prime changed the way I view the world and was my biggest influence in writing my own songs. I remember seeing him in Athens, Georgia one night. Me and a friend drove 2 hours without tickets and while standing in line the couple in front of us had 2 extra tickets for centerstage 2nd row. We sang every song word for word and in perfect timing with John. He played an hour past his set list as if he was trying to find a song we didn't know. He failed and gave us one huge smile as he ended his last note shaking his head. Not only did he make our night, but I believe we made his too. Rest in Peace my friend.

Lord, you took a good one/ now he's with Steve Goodman/ You need to listen to them play / each and everyday/ I suppose it was just his time/ God bless Steve Goodman and John Prine.

Lord, you took a good one/ now he's with Steve Goodman/ I hope you listen to them play/ each and every day/ I suppose it was just his time/ God bless Steve Goodman and John Prine. Jack Jenkins-Princeton, Illinois

I'll be honest. While I'd been familiar with the name "John Prine" for many years (I'm nearly 50 now), I'd never listened to his music (as performed directly by him). With that said, I began listening closely once I'd learned he was hospitalized and am SO very happy I did. As it turns out, he was one of "those people" for me and, I suspect, he was the same for many of you, too. You know the kind...a person you never knew but, once they're gone, sure wish you had. Such a peculiar feeling, losing a familiar stranger and missing that person's presence. Thank you for your contribution, John Prine...for making the world better than it would otherwise have been.

Love ya

He will be missed by so many of us. I REALLY liked his "Summer's End" song and am so sorry he's gone. May he rest in peace.

My condolences.

So sad to hear that John Prine passed away.
I really love his music and the kindness he showed on the concerts I saw.
He will be missed dearly.
I wish strenght to his family and friends.
Harm Gerrits

Forty-eight years ago, I met this man. It was 1972 at Mankato State College in Minnesota. I think it cost two or three dollars to see him and Bonnie Raitt. After the show my friend and I when down stairs and talked to John and Bonnie. Bonnie was quite shy and didn't talk much John was very talkative we talked for maybe a half an hour or so had some good laughs talked about his writing his music and Bob Dylan. Ironically in 2002 the last passenger that boarded my flight in Nashville was John Prine. He walked by me and I said John it's only been 30 years how have you been? He looked at me surprised and I told him the story about how I met him back in college we had a real good laugh, he was on his way to Arkansas to go catfishing. He was a brilliant songwriter. I knew it when I first started listening to him. We all will miss you John rest in peace and thanks for passing my way .....

Sad to see a good Singer pass away.Blessings to all family members.San Antonio,Texas MVG

We love you John and you will be sorely missed.

Your music impacted a lot of my life and I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to be born in an era where your music was played. Rest well my brother in the best place you could ever be in.

Johns writing an playing made him seem approachable. Seemed like a friend to all he met. Sorry I never got to see him live, or meet him. So sorry for your great loss.

Even though we never met, I have been grieving John Prines death. I have loved him through his music for about 50 years.❤

a true legand and as someone said the mark twain of american music .my tears are flowing down the green river .a library has burned down but your wonderful music will live forever .you are now in gods arms

Saddened that this is how you had to.leave your family and your Life.
You'd rather be listening to your wife talk while you each walk and just be.
When I found out who you were -.years had past in life - I said this older man fits these tunes I have been listening too for a long time - and Mr. John Prine You are only 16 years older than I.
Glad to have had You to listen too + introduce You to my Family.
May You be able to watch over Your Loved Ones. Your Voice one no one has - Lyrics hopefully not too chopped up by those who called You a Mentor
You will be missed.
Thank You for your Time.
Peace within.
Play on

Sorry for the loss. He will be missed.

My sincere condolences to the Prine family. So very saddened he could not pull through. His music will live on in my heart.

The world has sadly lost a wonderful musical storyteller.. My condolences go out to the Prine family and the fans... We all will have great memories of John as we sing and dance to his music..

John sang about finding a card in his worn out overalls from a girl in Cedar Rapids now residing in Iowa Falls. Who sings about Iowa Falls? And if they do how can you not love that person and his music?! ... I was born in Iowa Falls in 1955.

John sings about finding a card in his worn out overalls from a girl in Cedar Rapids now residing in Iowa Falls. Who sings about Iowa Falls and if they do how can you not love that person and his music?! ... I was born in Iowa Falls in 1955.