Canadian musicians, politicians, and fans are paying tribute on social media to Cape Breton folk singer Rita MacNeil, who died Tuesday night following complications from surgery. She was 68.
[View the story "Canadians pay tribute to Rita MacNeil" on Storify ]Canadians pay tribute to Rita MacNeil Canadian musicians, politicians, and fans are paying tribute on social media to Cape Breton folk singer Rita MacNeil, who died Tuesday night following complications from surgery. She was 68. Storified by CTV Atlantic · Wed, Apr 17 2013 11:23:48
Saddened to hear about the passing of one of Cape Breton and Canada's finest voices, Rita MacNeil.Stephen Harper
Very sad to hear about the passing of Nova Scotia's First Lady of song and TPB alumnist Rita MacNeil.Mike Smith (Bubbles)
RIP Rita MacNeil, one of the nicest and one of the most talented people I ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with.Robb Wells
RIP Rita MacNeil. I am deeply saddened by the loss of a dear sweet woman and a gifted singer - songwriter who... fb.me/2YuwKiLx9Anne Murray
2 Canadian music icons lost this year. RIP Rita MacNeil and Stompin' Tom Connors. What a party it must be up there. pic.twitter.com/f2z02tDhejEric Alper
Rest in peace to a Martime legend Rita MacNeilClassified
Rita Macneil was the sweetest person whose beautiful voice was rivalled only by her beautiful spirit. She'll be missed #shescallednovascotiaJonathan Torrens
Flags are at half mast to honour the life of Cape Breton's beloved Rita MacNeil cbrm.ns.ca/statement-on-t… pic.twitter.com/LIBpAq8d4LCecil Clarke
A book of condolences honouring Rita MacNeil is now available at the foyer of city hall 320 Esplanade, Sydney pic.twitter.com/uiAVBFAtVACecil Clarke
Sad to hear of Rita MacNeil's passing. She was a beautiful and memorable voice for Cape Breton and all Canadians. #nspoliJustin Trudeau, MP
my heart is broken waking to hear Rita MacNeil is gone. We've lost another East Coast legend too soon. #flyingonyourownRose Cousins
I was deeply saddened to learn a few minutes ago that Rita McNeil passed away... She was always so kind to me and... fb.me/P9Y4jGveGeorge Canyon
Heavy hearts on the East Coast today.We've lost another who paved the road for us. Rest well Rita.Matt Andersen
Sad to hear the news about Rita MacNeil. Rest in peace.Joel Plaskett
Another voice in Heaven's choir - Rita MacNeil.Terry Kelly
Just remembering, Rita MacNeil was the first interview guest in the "new" ATV (now CTV Atlantic) Newscentre, February 1993.Steve Murphy
In the past few months we've lost Raylene Rankin, Stompin Tom Connors, and now, sadly, Rita MacNeil. May they rest in peace.James Moore
Saddened to hear about passing of Rita MacNeil. Can't think of another singer who put such a smile on my mom's face - everytime. #RIP Rita.Brent Butt
Saddened to hear about Rita MacNeil this morning.Played on her show years back. RIP Rita.Colin James
RIP Rita Macneil. Such a sweetheart of a lady. Never heard a bad word about her, only how wonderful she was to people and her community.Jeremy Taggart
Such a profound loss to know that Cape Breton’s first lady of song, Rita MacNeil has died from complications following surgery. Only 68. lisa laflamme
Such sad news. Our gifted and beautiful Rita MacNeil died, at only 68. Condolences to Wade and all her family.Elizabeth May MP
We're remembering Rita MacNeil today. We're honoured to have shared her story & talent in Flying on Her Own pic.twitter.com/GLOKrV6owRNeptune Theatre
I have loved Rita since I was a kid and it was my dream to meet her. I only got to email her once and we talked about a co write. Xmasangel.Jenn Grant
Sad to hear of Rita MacNeil's passing today. I did a songwriters circlewith her once for TV and it was a lovely to meet her and hear her RSRon Sexsmith
RIP Rita MacNeil. Here we are playing "Penpals" on her show. No idea why we were wearing those costumes: youtube.com/watch?v=WWerkZ…Sloan
Rest in peace Rita MacNeil, another sad day on the East Coast.Meghan Scott
RIP Rita MacNeil. A true Canadian icon.Marci Ien