Michael D. Higgins has shared a touching tribute to music legend Leonard Cohen, after learning of the 82-year-old’s death this morning.
The renowned singer and songwriter passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles yesterday, and the news of his death was announced to fans on his Facebook page in the early hours of the morning.
The online statement read, “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. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief.”
President Michael D. Higgins has released a statement saying he was a big fan of the music icon and praised Leonard’s outstanding talent.
“It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Leonard Cohen, author, painter, poet and singer.” he said.
“In his timeless songs, Leonard Cohen captured not just feelings of loneliness and loss, but also the essence of human life: love, beauty, humour, as well as social and political engagement.
“His vast and diverse music repertoire has been widely recognised, receiving awards and critical acclaim, and gaining him fans around the world. Leonard Cohen has left a lasting legacy and his work will continue to inspire current and future generations.”
Michael fondly remembered the time he met Leonard in Dublin and referenced the influence Yeats had on his music. He also expressed his deepest sympathies with the music legend’s family.
“He was deeply influenced by William Butler Yeats and he made a very warm connection with his Irish audiences – a fact that he valued and emphasised to me when I met him in Dublin.
“May I convey my deepest condolences to his family, his son Adam and daughter Lorca, his friends, colleagues in music, and to all those who share an appreciation of Leonard Cohen’s impressive body of work.”
Our thoughts are with Leonard’s family at this difficult time.