Canadian rock musician, writer, the lead singer and lyricist for the Canadian rock band, The Tragically Hip, Gord Downie, has died at 53 following a battle with cancer.
The family of the occasional actor who was dubbed the country's "unofficial poet laureate" by the CBC, said in a statement that he had passed away quietly surrounded by friends and relatives.
According to BBC, his countrymen in Canada was shocked when Downie revealed last year that he had glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer that begins in the brain, but despite his diagnosis, Downie continued to tour with Tragically Hip and produce music.
The band went on a nationwide summer tour in 2016, culminating in a final show that was broadcast live across the country. Hundreds of public screenings were also held to watch the broadcast.
Downie's lyrics often referenced Canadian culture and mythology, with a small-town charm that won the country over.