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Legendary Canadian singer-songwriter/folk icon.

Gordon Lightfoot, the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter, died last night (May 1) at age 84.

The folk icon’s passing was confirmed in a statement via Facebook. The statement is as follows:

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm that Gordon Meredith Lightfoot has passed away. Gordon died peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 730 p.m. at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. He died of natural causes. He was 84 years old.

He is survived by his wife Kim Hasse, six children– Fred, Ingrid, Eric, Galen, Miles and Meredith, as well as several grandchildren.”

Lightfoot’s career spanned six decades and included 21 studio albums. He is best remembered for a number of classic songs including “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown,” “Carefree Highway,” “Rainy Day People” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

Many people from the music world and beyond took to social media to honor Lightfoot and his career and life. Below are some notable tributes.

  • Geddy Lee

    “The first time we met was outside a local award show at a club in Toronto – a legendary poet, a songwriting inspiration – a gem of a man – I loved him. He used to bring his daughter who was a fan, to our shows, and he’d sit with her in the audience getting blasted with volume for three hours – a few months back he phoned me out of the blue, for no other reason than to say he’d just watched one of our concert films and really loved it. Every time I ran into him the first thing he would ask was how many gigs we’d done that year – he’d then proudly counter with the fact that he had played even more! RIP Gord – you are the man – the greatest Canadian.”

  • Bryan Adams

    “This one is really hard to write. Once in a blue moon you get to work and hang out with one of the people you admired when you were growing up. I was lucky enough to say Gordon was my friend and I’m gutted to know he’s gone. The world is a lesser place without him. I know I speak for all Canadians when I say: thank you for the songs Gordon Lightfoot. Bless your sweet songwriting heart, RIP dear friend.”

  • Kiefer Sutherland

    “The world lost one of its great storytellers yesterday. Canada lost part of itself. And I lost a hero. Gordon Lightfoot, may you rest in peace.”

  • Belinda Carlisle

    “In 2019, I recorded a cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting “If You Could Read My Mind” for my Runaway Horses 30th Anniversary box set. It’s one of my favorite songs. RIP #gordonlightfoot”

  • Sebastian Bach & Stephen King

    “Rest in peace @Lightfoot365. one of my greatest moments on Twitter is when I realized that you were following me. my condolences to your family and friends and my thanks to the incredible music that you made that will last forever”

    “Gordon Lightfoot has died. He was a great songwriter and a wonderful performer. ‘Sundown, you better take care/If I catch you creepin’ ’round my back stairs.'”

  • Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

    “We have lost one of our greatest singer-songwriters. Gordon Lightfoot captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape. May his music continue to inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on forever. To his family, friends, and many fans across the country and around the world: I’m keeping you in my thoughts at this difficult time.”

  • Brian Wilson

    “Rest in peace, Gordon Lightfoot.”

  • George Stroumboulopoulos

    “He sat on top of the mountain.
    He shared what he saw.

    For so many around the world, they knew our stories because of him.

    Rest in peace Gord.
    Golden forever.

    Gordon Lightfoot 1938-2023”

    https://twitter.com/strombo/status/1653213683583950848/history

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