Country music’s Joe Diffie dies from coronavirus, while fellow singer John Prine hospitalized with symptoms – Washington Examiner

Country music star Joe Diffie died after developing complications following a positive test for the coronavirus, while fellow singer John Prine is in critical condition with virus symptoms.

The singer’s family confirmed his death in a statement Sunday, which read, “GRAMMY-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19). His family respects their privacy at this time.”

Diffie, 61, had confirmed he had the novel coronavirus on Friday. The singer and Grammy winner was known for several 1990s hits including, Honky Tonk Attitude, John Deere Green, and Pickup Man.

Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Prine was taken to the hospital on Thursday, where his coronavirus test results were “indeterminate.” He is, however, suffering from symptoms of the COVID-19 virus and is now in critical condition.

“After a sudden onset of Covid-19 symptoms, John was hospitalized on Thursday (3/26),” a Sunday statement from his family read. “He was intubated Saturday evening, and continued to receive care, but his situation is critical.”

“This is hard news for us to share,” the statement continued. “But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now.”

It added, “And know that we love you, and John loves you.”

Prine, 73, is also a big name in the country music world and a Grammy winner. He has additionally beaten cancer twice.

As of Sunday night, the United States has seen more than 140,000 cases of the coronavirus and nearly 2,500 deaths. Worldwide, there have been over 720,000 cases and almost 34,000 deaths.