AUDIO Gord Downie Of The Tragically Hip Has Passed Away

Statement - pic.twitter.com/3quqCF4zah

— Gord Downie (@gorddownie) October 18, 2017

Gord Downie, the legendary front man of the Tragically Hip, has died at the age of 53.

Downie died Tuesday night ``with his beloved children and family close by,'' the band said in a statement on its website this morning.

The country was shocked when Downie revealed his terminal cancer diagnosis in May 2016. The band's subsequent tour sold out nearly immediately.

In the wake of his diagnosis with glioblastoma _ an incurable form of cancer _ Downie spent the last chapter of his life raising funds for brain cancer research and advocating for the rights of Canada's Indigenous Peoples.

``Gord knew this day was coming _ his response was to spend this precious time as he always had _ making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss on the lips,'' the statement said.

``Gord said he had lived many lives,'' the band said. ``As a musician, he lived 'the life' for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.''

One of the country's most revered singer-songwriters, Downie penned a steady stream of 1990's rock radio staples including ``New Orleans Is Sinking,'' ``Blow at High Dough,'' ``Courage,'' ``Ahead By a Century'' and ``Bobcaygeon.''

#RyCooder echoes through the atmosphere...#rip #GordDownie #TragicallyHip #eulogy pic.twitter.com/PcbCoEPwoK

— Jeff Burrows (@Burrowsdrums) October 18, 2017