John Prine's wife, Fiona, has issued a statement following the death of her husband on Tuesday (April 7) from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19).

"We have no words to describe the grief our family is experiencing at this time," she says. "John was the love of my life and adored by our sons Jody, Jack and Tommy, daughter in law Fanny, and by our grandchildren."

She continued on to thank the staff at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where Prine had been hospitalized for their "incredible skill and care" and for allowing her to be with her husband in his final hours.

"I sat with John - who was deeply sedated- in the hours before he passed and will be forever grateful for that opportunity," she adds.

Prine was hospitalized on March 26 after experiencing "a sudden onset of COVID-19 symptoms." He was incubated on March 29 and remained in stable, but critical condition.

"My dearest wish is that people of all ages take this virus seriously and follow guidelines set by the CDC," the statement continued. "We send our condolences and love to the thousands of other American families who are grieving the loss of loved ones at this time - and to so many other families across the world."

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of love we have received from family, friends, and fans all over the world. John will be so missed but he will continue to comfort us with his words and music and the gifts of kindness, humor and love he left for all of us to share."

The Prine family is asking that fans hoping to honor the music icon will consider making a donation to Thistle Farms, Room in the Inn or the Nashville Rescue Mission in lieu of flowers or gifts.

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