Beech Tree News Network

Join us for a short ceremony to honor the memory of the Hall of Fame artist

Muhlenberg County, Ky. – The Friends of John Prine Memorial Park will host a wreath laying and short remembrance service to honor the memory of Hall of Fame singer-songwriter John Prine at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, at the park located at Rochester Dam on the Green River.

Prine died April 7, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. Prine was born Oct. 10, 1946, in Maywood, Ill. His parents were natives of Muhlenberg County and Prine spent considerable time in the county throughout his lifetime, especially in the community of Paradise. His 1970 song “Paradise” was written for his father and is a lasting tribute to the long-gone community.

The short ceremony will include a wreath-laying at the “Tree of Forgiveness” in the park, brief comments, and a communal singing of Prine’s most cherished song led by International Thumbpicking Hall of Famer Joe Hudson. John Prine Memorial Park at Rochester Dam was dedicated on Oct. 1, 2022, as a lasting tribute to Prine’s contributions and legacy.

Improvements to the park are ongoing through consultation and cooperation of Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court, which owns the property. The park is home to the Annual Prine Park Birthday Bash, which is set for Oct. 12, 2024.

John Prine Memorial Park at Rochester Dam is located on Boat Ramp Lane in Drakesboro, Ky.