Bruce Springsteen, Bon Iver, Bonnie Raitt and more pay tribute to John Prine

Musicians, friends and fans are paying tribute to iconic singer-songwriter John Prine, who died yesterday, April 7, aged 73. Prine, largely considered one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, was hospitalised two weeks ago, after a sudden onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

Bruce Springsteen is among those who have paid tribute to Prine, describing him as a "true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages".

Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine. John and I were "New Dylans" together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the lovliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family.

— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) April 8, 2020

Bonnie Raitt, who famously recorded a version of Prine's 'Angel From Montgomery', promised to "keep singing his songs and holding him near".

Words can't even come close.
I'm crushed by the loss of my dear friend, John. My heart and love go out to Fiona and all the family. For all of us whose hearts are breaking, we will keep singing his songs and holding him near. @JohnPrineMusic

— Bonnie Raitt (@TheBonnieRaitt) April 8, 2020

Justin Vernon of Bon Iver called Prine his "number 1", and noted that a "simple majority of who I am as a person, let alone a musician, is because of John Prine."

Irish broadcaster John Kelly described Prine as a "beautiful man" and "One of the very best".

The great John Prine is gone. A beautiful man. One of the very best. Love to Fiona and all the family @JohnPrineMusic pic.twitter.com/a19SPBkjha

— John Kelly tweets (@johnkellytweets) April 8, 2020

Kacey Musgraves, who recorded as song entitled 'Burn One With John Prine' early in her career, also paid tribute.

Heartbroken.

— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) April 8, 2020

I swear to god if you ain’t stayin indoors, @WillieNelson...

— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) April 8, 2020

Author Stephen King called Prine "one of the great ones".

Coronavirus has taken one of the great ones: John Prine, dead at 73. So many memorable songs.

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) April 8, 2020

Margo Price remembered Prine as her "hero" and "friend".

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.

— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) April 8, 2020

Shooter Jennings described him as "an American icon".

Read Pat Carty's tribute to John Prine here.