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John Prine Memorial Park

John Prine wrote, "When I die let my ashes float down the Green River, Let my soul roll on up to the Rochester Dam. I'll be halfway to Heaven with Paradise waitin', Just five miles away from wherever I am."

In 2020, Prine 73 passed away due to Covid-19. His wife, Fiona Whelan Prine, spread a portion of his ashes off the Rochester Ferry into the Green River.

Several gathered on Saturday, October 1, as Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission unveiled the John Prine Memorial Park at the Rochester Dam.

People came from as far away as San Francisco and Seattle to attend the ceremony.

Muhlenberg County Judge Executive Curtis McGehee declared October as John Prine Month. "We will continue to honor him fondly and proudly from 2022 and every year forward."

 

A new pavilion, picnic tables, signage, landscaping, and blacktop have been added to the park. Plans are also to add a steel viewing deck at the river's edge and a new boat ramp.

Prine's wife Fiona, son Jody, grandchildren, and other family members were in attendance.

"I learned about Muhlenberg County within 12 hours of meeting John," said Fiona. "It was a big part of who he was, and it's lovely that there is something here now that we can come and visit to bring the kids and grandchildren and be here and think about him."

 Karen Lain, C. Josh Givens, Magistrates Darrin Benton, and Malcolm West headed the project to rename the park.

 

 Prine fans sung "Paradise" and enjoyed banana pudding and ginger ale at the closing.

 

 

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