John Prine photographed at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco on Oct.

John Prine has received a very special posthumous honor.

The late country folk legend has been named the first honorary poet laureate of Illinois, his home state.

“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,” comments Governor J.B.

“It is such an honor for me, our sons, and the entire Prine family to acknowledge that our beloved John will be named an Honorary Poet Laureate of the State of Illinois.

His life and career was celebrated with the two-hour June 11 special Picture Show: A Tribute Celebrating John Prine, which aired on multiple social platforms including the musician's Facebook, YouTube and Twitch channels.

It’s also my honor to name our state’s first honorary poet laureate.

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.