John Prine (October 10, 1946 – April 7, 2020) died of complications from COVID-19 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. “He could not overcome the damage this virus inflicted on his body,” said his wife, Fiona Whelan Prine.

Prine was an American country folk singer-songwriter. He was active as a composer, recording artist, and live performer from the early 1970s until his death and was known for an often humorous style of original music that has elements of protest and social commentary. He was a two-time Grammy winner and was the recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement which was presented earlier this year.

In a 2002 interview with OffBeat, Prine said “I tour in short bursts because of my children. Them and my health. I’m in good health, but I want to keep it that way. The road will wear you out, and if your body gets worn down, your mind gets worn down. It doesn’t become fun anymore. I go out weekends, and I have a band that loves it because it means they can work during the week in clubs around town or on their own projects.”

Beloved by many and called by some “the greatest-ever songwriter,” her Prine performs one of his most well-known songs.