John Prine Selected as Illinois’ First Honorary Poet Laureate

Legendary songwriter John Prine – who passed in April – has been named the first honorary Poet Laureate of the State of Illinois.

The announcement came on June 30 from Gov. JB Pritzker, who praised the Illinois-born singer.

“It’s my honor to name our state’s first honorary poet laureate,” he tweeted. “John Prine leaves behind an unparalleled musical legacy and was beloved by family and millions of fans who hope that in Heaven he finds Paradise waitin’ just as he longed for.”

After serving in the army, Prine was discovered by Kris Kristofferson in a Chicago club and quickly released his eponymous debut album in 1971. It included a number of Prine’s most memorable compositions, most of all “Angel From Montgomery.”

“I have no doubt that John would be proud and delighted to receive this recognition from his home state of Illinois,” Prine’s wife Fiona added in a statement. “John had great respect for writers of all kinds. He regarded poets as being among those whose work carried weight, relevance and elevated craft. It is such an honor for me, our sons and the entire Prine family to acknowledge that our beloved John will be named an Honorary Poet Laureate of the State of Illinois. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for this wonderful recognition.”