Today, Gov. Beshear recognized local officials and volunteers in Muhlenberg County, who on Saturday will dedicate John Prine Memorial Park at Rochester Dam along the Green River. Prine, whose career as a singer and songwriter spanned five decades, grew up in Chicago but spent his summers in Muhlenberg County, where his parents were from. In his song, “Paradise,” inspired by Kentucky, Prine sang: “When I die let my ashes float down the Green River / Let my soul roll up to the Rochester dam.”
Watch John Prine play ‘Paradise’ on The Marty Stuart Show
“Sadly, the world lost John Prine in April of 2020 to COVID-19. It was a shocking loss so early in the pandemic,” Gov. Beshear said. “We paid tribute to him during our then-daily COVID briefings, including a video set to his wonderful rendition of ‘My Old Kentucky Home.’ In honor of the park’s dedication, and John Prine’s legacy, I also have issued an official acclamation paying tribute to John Prine Memorial Park. Thanks to everyone who helped make this recognition possible.”
Watch Gov. Beshear Recognize John Prine Memorial Park
The project is part of updating an existing county park, said Karen Harper Lain, a spokesperson and committee member for the John Prine Memorial Park. The project includes a new boat ramp, more parking, a picnic pavilion, new playground equipment and landscaping improvements.