John Prine was named Illinois’ first honorary poet laureate in a posthumous tribute.

Prine was born (October 10, 1946) and raised in Maywood, Illinois a Chicago suburb. He died April 7, 2020 of complications caused by COVID-19.

According to his wishes, and expressed in his song “Paradise”, Prine was cremated with half his ashes spread in Kentucky’s Green River and half buried in Chicago next to his parents.

“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,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Prine’s posthumous release of “I Remember Everything,” arrived on the same day as the honor.

Who do you consider to be modern-day poets?

By: Buck Stevens