Tommy Hunter, known as “Canada’s Country Gentleman,” died on July 2, 2026, at age 89 from natural causes, according to his official website. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at a London, Ontario retirement home, with his son Greg and his 10-year-old mixed-breed rescue dog Desi by his side.
A Legendary Career on CBC
Hunter was best known as the host of The Tommy Hunter Show, which aired on CBC for 27 years from 1965 to 1992. At its peak, the show reached 75 million U.S. households via The Nashville Network. It became the longest-running music program in North America at the time of its cancellation.
Born in London, Ont., on March 20, 1937, Hunter learned guitar at age nine. He made his television debut in 1956 on CBC’s Country Hoedown as rhythm guitarist with King Ganam’s band, Sons of the West. He got his own show at age 28.
Bringing Country Music to Living Rooms
Hunter aimed to present country music without clichéd barn-and-hay sets. “When I introduced Johnny Cash, I wanted him to come right into your living rooms all across Canada, and you weren’t seeing cattle moving in the background and pitchforks,” he told the Toronto Sun in 2012. His show featured legends like Hank Snow, Roy Acuff, Kitty Wells, and Johnny Cash, as well as newer stars like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, and Canadian acts Rita MacNeil and Michelle Wright.
Musical Hits and Awards
Hunter’s own hits included “Travellin’ Man,” which served as his show’s theme song. He recorded for Columbia and its Harmony label in the 1960s and ’70s. He won three Juno Awards and one Gemini Award, was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and received the Order of Ontario and Order of Canada. Canada Post issued a stamp in his honour.
Later Years and Legacy
After his show ended, Hunter continued performing until his 75th birthday in 2012. “I know I still can sing and perform, but what you do at 25 you can’t do when you’re 75,” he said. “I rather would have people come to one of my final shows and say, ‘Why is he retiring?’”
His business manager Brian Edwards noted Hunter was the same offstage as on TV: “They gave him the name Canada’s Country Gentleman many years ago and he certainly lived up to every aspect of that.”
Survivors and Memorial
Hunter is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Funeral arrangements include a public celebration of life and a private family service in London, Ont. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the London Humane Society or any animal rescue organization, reflecting Hunter’s love for rescue animals.
