diff --git a/py3status/modules/mpd_status.py b/py3status/modules/mpd_status.py
index 389ac3532a..2b5b37bd6d 100644
--- a/py3status/modules/mpd_status.py
+++ b/py3status/modules/mpd_status.py
@@ -256,8 +256,7 @@ def attr_getter(attr):
                     text = "Failed to authenticate to mpd!"
                     self._get_mpd(disconnect=True)
 
-                state = None
-                self.current_status = (text, status)
+                self.current_status = (text, None)
                 return
             finally:
                 self.py3.update()  # to propagate error message