Musician Christopher Cross says coronavirus is 'possibly the worst illness I have ever had'

Peter Blackstock, Austin American-Statesman

USA TODAY EntertainmentApril 4, 2020, 11:59 AM EDT

“I’m sorry to report that I am among the growing number of Americans who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus,” singer-songwriter Christopher Cross revealed in a Facebook post Friday.

The Grammy- and Oscar-winning artist, known for early 1980s hits "Sailing" and "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" from the movie "Arthur," said he is not hospitalized but added, "This is possibly the worst illness I have ever had."

"For those of you who still do not believe the COVID-19 virus is real, or think it is a 'hoax' or part of some conspiracy, my advice to you is to understand right now that this is a deadly illness spreading like wildfire throughout the world," Cross, who lives in Austin, Texas, wrote on Facebook.

Cross’s social media post continued with a plea for people to self-quarantine at home during the pandemic, and concluded: “Wherever you are in the world, let’s all be kind to one another. Only if we work together can we defeat COVID-19.”

Before the pandemic hit the U.S., Cross, 68, was scheduled to perform this week at Austin's Paramount Theatre as part of a tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his debut album, "Christopher Cross," which helped Cross sweep all four major categories at the 1981 Grammy Awards ceremony: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist.

Cross also won an Oscar for “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” in 1982.

More: CMA Fest, 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife,' Burning Man join coronavirus postponements

He's the latest addition to a growing list of musicians who say they've tested positive for COVID-19, including Sara Bareilles and Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson.

Schlesinger, co-founder of the band Fountains of Wayne and songwriter for TV's "Crazy Ex Girlfriend," died Wednesday of coronavirus complications, his longtime attorney, Josh Grier, told USA TODAY.