A news release posted to Rita MacNeil's website today announced the Canadian folk singer died last evening due to complications following surgery.
Born and raised in Big Pond, Cape Breton, MacNeil earned three Juno Awards, a Gemini Award for Rita and Friends which aired on CBC from 1994 through 1997, and was awarded a number of East Coast Music Awards and Canadian Country Music Awards throughout her career.
She was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1992 and the Order of Nova Scotia in 2005.
On the occasion of MacNeil's passing, Canadian singer Anne Murray stated: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of a dear sweet woman and a gifted singer-songwriter who represented women and her beloved Nova Scotia so eloquently in her songs."
MacNeil is survived by two children, Laura and Wade.
She was 68 years old.
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