Tommy Hunter, Canadian country music star, dies at 89

Tommy Hunter, the Canadian country singer and television host known as “Canada’s Country Gentleman,” has died at the age of 89. His manager confirmed he died Thursday of natural causes. Born in London, Ont., in 1937, Hunter began performing as a child and later joined CBC’s Country Hoedown before becoming best known for hosting The Tommy Hunter Show. The program ran for 27 years and featured many major country and popular music acts, helping launch and support several careers. Hunter continued touring after the show ended and performed until his farewell tour in 2012. He won several major awards during his career, including Junos and a Gemini, and was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada. He is survived by three children, four grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.