Prime minister Justin Trudeau was shedding tears as he reacted to the sad news that musician Gord Downie has passed away.
"We are less as a country without Gord Downie in it," he told reporters Wednesday morning.
The Tragically Hip frontman died at the age of 53 after losing a fight with brain cancer.
"We all knew it was coming, but we hoped it wasn't," Trudeau said.
As he choked on his words, Trudeau said that Gord was not just his friend, but everyone's friend.
"Our buddy Gord who loved this country with everything he had," he said. "He loved every hidden corner, every story, every aspect of this country."
There will never be another one like you, Gord. Rest in peace my friend.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 18, 2017
Prime minister Trudeau released this statement:
"For almost five decades, Gord Downie uncovered and told the stories of Canada. He was the frontman of one of Canada's most iconic bands, a rock star, artist, and poet whose evocative lyrics came to define a country.
"The Tragically Hip's music invited us to explore places we had never been - from Mistaken Point to Churchill - and helped us understand each other, while capturing the complexity and vastness of the place we call home.
"Gord's command of language was profound. He painted landscapes with his words, elevating Canadian geography, historical figures, and myths. When he spoke, he gave us goosebumps and made us proud to be Canadian. Our identity and culture are richer because of his music, which was always raw and honest - like Gord himself.
"In the wake of his diagnosis, Gord only fought harder for what he believed in: social justice, environmentalism, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Before passing, he shined his light on the story of 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack who died from hunger and exposure after trying to find his way home from a residential school. For his work raising awareness of Indigenous issues, he was inducted as a member of the Order of Canada in 2017.
"Gord did not rest from working for the issues he cared about, and his commitment and passion will continue to motivate Canadians for years to come.
"On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to Gord's family, friends, bandmates and crew members, and his many, many fans. He will be sorely missed."
Canada's identity & culture are richer for Gord Downie's work.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 18, 2017