Canada has lost a musical and television icon.
Tommy Hunter died on Thursday of natural causes at the age of 89.
His business manager announced his death.
The Canadian musician is best known for his long-running television show that aired on CBC.
His musical career began in 1956, becoming a cast member of CBC’s Country Hoedown hosted by Gordie Tapp, before he was given his own show a decade later.
“Tommy was always proud of the fact that the television show which bore his name featured quality wholesome family entertainment,” states a release.
“He was also one of the first entertainers to work at bringing country music into the mainstream.”
The show featured the likes of Hank Snow, Roy Acuff, Kitty Wells and Johnny Cash, and introduced Canadians to Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Carroll Baker and Reba McEntire.
It also served as a platform for upcoming stars like Rita MacNeil, Michelle Wright and Shania Twain.
The program remained a fixture of Canadian television until 1992.
Hunter continued to perform live shows until his retirement at his 75th birthday in 2012.
Hunter released 12 albums, winning three Juno awards, including named the first winner of the Top Country Male Artist in 1970.
The television show also won a Gemini Award in its final year.
Hunter would later be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and named a member of the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada.
He is survived by his 3 children, 4 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral arrangements and a public memorial are planned for a later date.
