Celebrities, politicians and music fans from all across Canada mourned the loss of The Tragically Hip’s lead singer Gord Downie, following the news of his death on Tuesday. He was 53.
Downie, who had an ongoing battle with brain cancer, was surrounded by family and friends Tuesday evening at the time of his passing.
On Wednesday, Canadians shared their heartfelt memories and condolences for the late singer, the Kingston, Ont., native who wrapped up the band’s final 15-stop summer tour in 2016.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a few words of condolences Wednesday morning, praising his “buddy” and his ability to impact Canadians from coast to coast.
READ MORE: Glioblastoma: The brain cancer that took Gord Downie’s life
“Gord’s command of language was profound. He painted landscapes with his words, elevating Canadian geography, historical figures, and myths. When he spoke, he gave us goosebumps and made us proud to be Canadian. Our identity and culture are richer because of his music, which was always raw and honest – like Gord himself,” the prime minister said in a statement.
On Wednesday, dozens of Canadians celebrated Downie’s legacy on social media, including Canadian actors Seth Rogen and Ryan Reynolds.
Athletes as well as politicians praised Downie.
READ MORE: Justin Trudeau delivers emotional, tearful tribute to Gord Downie
WATCH BELOW: Carolyn Bennett says Gord Downie’s death an “incredible loss to Canada”
READ MORE: Alan Cross calls for ‘national period of mourning’ for Canada’s frontman
WATCH: Gord Downie ‘was a real community builder’: Kingston MP Mark Gerretsen
WATCH: Gord Downie remembered for ‘remarkable’ work on reconciliation: Jagmeet Singh
Fellow musicians like k.d. lang also tweeted their condolences, as did Canadian TV stars.
https://twitter.com/MSmithBubbles/status/920637534572462080/
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WATCH BELOW: Gord Downie overcome with emotion at AFN ceremony
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Gord Downie overcome with emotion during AFN ceremony -
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Downie renews call for Canadians to heal residential school wounds -
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Gord Downie speaks out for indigenous people’s struggle over the last 150 years -
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Members of the band Current Swell share memories of Gord Downie. -
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The Tragically Hip lead singer Gord Downie dies of cancer at 53 -
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Gord Downie dead: Prime Minister Trudeau fights back tears remembering his ‘buddy Gord’
The outpouring of love for Downie and the band illustrates the impact The Hip has had on Canadians for its 30-plus-year run. Spanning decades, The Hip is unquestionably one of the biggest bands in Canadian music history.
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