Article Contributed by Shore Fire Media
Published on 2026-05-11
If John Prine were still with us in 2026, he would turn 80 years old this fall, and would be doing exactly what he did throughout his five-decade career: giving freely of his time, wisdom, humor, advice and kindness. Revered as one of the greatest American songwriters, he modeled a way of living and treating others that transcended the music – showing up for people with thoughtfulness, joyful loyalty and an open hand, with the same warmth, humanity and authenticity that made his songs so beloved. Those who knew him best would add that above all, he was someone who built community wherever he went, and now, the Prine Family and The Hello in There Foundation invite fans to celebrate each other, as well as the man, the music and the connections that continue to bind us closer together.
On October 8th, 2026 at The Chicago Theatre – two days before John Prine's 80th Birthday on October 10th, 2026 – Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine will commemorate his life and legacy alongside a community of artists performing their favorite Prine songs, paying tribute to an immortal body of work that has inspired, comforted and connected generations. Backed by Prine's longtime live band, the initial lineup includes host and performer John C. Reilly, along with Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff, Amos Lee, Andrew Sa, Briscoe, Jon Langford, Josh Ritter, Joy Oladokun, Kathleen Edwards, Margo Price, Noeline Hofmann, Ratboys, Shemekia Copeland, Steve Earle, The Cactus Blossoms, The Sullivan Sisters and more to be announced.
General onsale for Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine begins at 10am CT this Friday, May 15th, following an artist presale starting at 10am CT on Wednesday, May 13th, and an Old Town School of Folk Music presale at 10am CT on Thursday, May 14th. Find tickets and more information HERE.
Born in Maywood, Illinois in 1946, John Prine wrote his earliest songs while working as a mail carrier in Chicago, composing lyrics in his head on long postal routes. It was Chicago's vibrant folk community that nurtured his artistry, and in 2020, he was named Honorary Poet Laureate of Illinois. Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine will serve as the centerpiece to a milestone weekend that the Prine Family's Hello in There Foundation is organizing alongside Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music, Siskel Film Center, and other civic and nonprofit community partners, in the same neighborhoods where Prine's musical journey began.
Additional events will be revealed in the coming weeks and months, with proceeds from Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine benefiting The Hello in There Foundation's ongoing grantmaking in his memory. Since the Prine family created The Hello in There Foundation in 2021, it has provided nearly $1.4 million in community grants to more than 100 organizations. Addressing issues like food insecurity, housing, mental health, immigrant and refugee justice, addiction recovery and more, the Foundation and its upcoming celebrations will mirror the generosity and gratitude that Prine upheld, encapsulating his belief that every life is worth singing about, and the understanding that music, at its best, is an act of community.
Ahead of Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine, fans can also experience his enduring influence at Songwriters Celebrate John Prine, a creative collaboration with Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. Taking place June 9th, 2026 at Filene Center in Vienna, VA, and marking America's 250th Anniversary in the National Park for the Performing Arts, the lineup features friends and collaborators such as Emmylou Harris, Margo Price, Patty Griffin, I'm With Her, Lucius, Allison Russell, Hayes Carll, Jobi Riccio, Fancy Hagood and Tommy Prine.
Furthermore, on May 29th, 2026, the Prine Family will host a virtual premiere of You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine, the new star-studded tribute concert film captured in October 2022 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Following its debut in select theatres across the country, the virtual screening will feature a live chat with Fiona Prine and other members of the family, and will be available on-demand through Sunday, May 31st. Find tickets and more information HERE.
