Tommy Hunter Dies: Legendary TV Host & Country Singer Was 89

Tommy Hunter, the legendary Canadian TV host and country singer, is dead at 89.

On Thursday, July 2, the Tommy Hunter Show host died of natural causes, manager Brian Edwards confirmed to CBC News. Edwards told The Globe and Mail that Hunter died “peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family and his much-beloved dog” in a retirement home.

“As the old saying goes, we’re all heartbroken at the same time,” he told the publication. “When someone goes peacefully like that and everything, it’s kind of a blessing.”

Hunter was born on March 20, 1937, in London, Ontario. At just 9, he started taking guitar lessons, later booking gigs and, ultimately, winding up on the radio. In 1956, Hunter became a rhythm guitarist for CBC’s Country Hoedown. He went on to host The Tommy Hunter Show — first on the radio  and then on TV — for 27 years, from 1965 to 1992.

In 1984, Hunter was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1984; he was made a member of the Order of Canada two years later, in 1986. Hunter continued performing long after his CBC TV show ended. He culminated his music career at 75 in 2012, with a farewell tour.

Sad to hear Tommy Hunter has died. Our vocal group appeared on his show 3x in 70-71. 40 years later, I represented CBC at his final live show where this photo was taken. He really was the Country Gentleman & should be on Canada’s Walk of Fame. May his memory be a blessing. 🇨🇦🎤 pic.twitter.com/CmEidr0gUM

— Tom Harrington (@cbctom) July 3, 2026

Known as “Canada’s Country Gentleman,” Hunter helped launch the careers of many big-name stars, including Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, and CBC’s The World This Hour anchor Tom Harrington.

In the wake of Hunter’s death, Harrington took to X with a tribute, writing, “Sad to hear Tommy Hunter has died. Our vocal group appeared on his show 3x in 70-71. 40 years later, I represented CBC at his final live show where this photo was taken. He really was the Country Gentleman & should be on Canada’s Walk of Fame. May his memory be a blessing.”

The country music icon and TV host is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.