Leonard Cohen dead at 82: Stars pay tribute to legendary singer-songwriter

Leonard Cohen, the baritone-voiced Canadian hitmaker who penned the hauntingly poetic Hallelujah, has passed away at the age of 82, according to a statement posted on his official Facebook page.

“It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away. We have lost one of music’s most revered and prolific visionaries,” the post read.

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In a further statement to Rolling Stone, his son, Adam, confirmed that his father, whose career spanned over five decades, “passed away peacefully at home in Los Angeles,” adding that he had been “writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humor.”

Following the news, many celebrities, musicians and politicians took to social media to mourn his passing, expressing sadness and grief over the loss of a musical giant in a year that has already taken away Prince, David Bowie and George Martin.

Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, posted two tweets, first in French and then in English, writing: “No other artist’s music felt or sounded like Leonard Cohen’s. Yet his work resonated across generations. Canada and the world will miss him.”

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Trudeau went on to quote lyrics from one of Cohen’s beloved songs, Hallelujah, which took the artist five years to write, with over 80 draft verses written before release.

Broadway legend, singer and actress Bette Midler also tweeted about his passing shortly after it was announced, writing: “Leonard Cohen has died. Another magical voice stilled.”

Other composers, musicians and writers, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, paid tribute to the 1960s icon, writing: “This is heartbreaking. Can’t help but feel grateful for the tower of song he leaves behind,” alongside several other tweets.

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Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling joined him, along with singer Josh Groban, quoting song lyrics, while Grammy award-winning artist Justin Timberlake described him as “a spirit and soul beyond compare.”

Other stars including Carole King, Nancy Sinatra, Russell Crowe and Kiefer Sutherland also paid tribute to the late artist, whose music and art inspired millions around the world.

“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” Rest in peace, Leonard Cohen (1934 – 2016).

Cohen, who never married, is survived by his daughter, Lorca, and by his son, Adam.