June 4, 2002 - I visited the gravesite today on the one year anniversary of the loss John Hartford. The headstone was recently placed, and no grass has grown on Marie's plot since her cold January funeral. It was hot today, the kind of hot that is only bearable when cruising on a steamboat with a constant gentle river breeze. While I sat in the gazebo, thinking about piloting the Julia Belle Swain with John when I was just a boy, a breeze came up from the Cumberland River which is just through the trees behind his grave.
The last year has been a rollercoaster for me and family. To counter the immense loss of the Hartford's, I had a wonderful addition two months ago today, my daughter, Julia Nicole. Yes, we named Julia after the charming little steamboat that John and I so loved. Her nickname is "Julia Belle." So, I have a constant reminder of the seemingly short amount of time that I got to spend with John.
Thanks to all of the fans that are still supporting John and his work. A whole new generation is just now discovering his music and it warms my heart knowing that his music will never die.
- David Schenk, webmaster, JohnHartford.com
Marie Hartford - Rest in Peace
It is with deep regret that I must report that Marie Hartford passed away December 30, 2001.
The date would have been John's 64th birthday and two days after their 21st wedding anniversary.
She contracted pneumonia two weeks ago. While in the hospital, it was discovered that she had inoperable lung cancer.
Read the article about Marie in the Tennessean. And the Obituary.
John Hartford1937-2001
At 4:30 p.m. June 4th, 2001, after a long struggle
John Hartford passed away
at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, TN
For the last several weeks, John had been joined at his home by his family and friends
telling stories and reliving a wonderful life. He enjoyed having some of his musical
heroes play old songs and recount stories of "show business".
Although he could no longer join in, he delighted in listening
to the music that he so dearly loved and spent a lifetime creating.
What more can you say about a man who touched so many.
Rest in peace, John Hartford.
Enter JohnHartford.com
I have put up a page of memorial and news links.
Share your memories of John on the Message Board.
Listen to "A Short Sentimental Interlude" from 1969's John Hartford. (1 meg, wav file)