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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Amy Denman & Daniel Bird

Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot dies age 84 as Justin Trudeau leads tributes

Gordon Lightfoot has died at the age of 84, it has been announced.

The Canadian folk singer died on Monday night at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Canada.

Gordon's publicist confirmed his death. He is said to have died of natural causes.

Singer Gordon was best known for his hits If You Could Read My Mind and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and Sundown.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to Gordon as the news was announced.

He wrote on Twitter: "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.

Gordon Lightfoot has died, it has been confirmed (AFP via Getty Images)

"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."

While Stephen King also paid tribute as he penned: "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.""

Last month, Gordon announced the cancellation of his 2023 performance schedule in North America.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has led the tributes to Gordon (AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement, Gordon cited "health-related issues" as he discussed the cancellation.

A statement from Gordon's representative read: "Gordon Lightfoot announces the cancellation of his U.S. and Canadian concert scheduled for 2023.

"The singer is currently experiencing some health-related issues and is unable to confirm rescheduled dates at this time."

Fans have since paid tribute, with one writing: "'Folk' is an understatement. Gordon Lightfoot was simply an icon. RIP, and thank you for all the music."

Gordon launched his career in 1958 (Getty Images for Stagecoach)

"R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot. This is on my warm-up and go motivational playlist. A classic," wrote a second.

Meanwhile a third typed: "Alas Gordon Lightfoot has passed away. If it wasn’t for @domjoly with #triggerhappytv I’d have never have enjoyed his music."

"Gordon Lightfoot R.I.P. beautiful gifted man. Fantastic artist, singer, musician, poet, songwriter. An array of amazing songs, touching inspiring blended sounds... a very sad loss forever in my heart. Love Always Gordon," said a fourth.

Speaking about his music, Gordon previously said: "I simply write the songs about where I am and where I’m from, I take situations and write poems about them.

"I just like to stay there and be a part of the totem pole and look after the responsibilities I’ve acquired over the years."

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