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Tommy Hunter, Canadian Country Music Icon and Long-Running CBC Host, Dies at 89
Tommy Hunter, the beloved Canadian country star and longtime CBC host, died on July 2, 2026, at 89. The London, Ontario native passed away in a local retirement home after a period of declining health, according to his business manager, Brian Edwards. Edwards confirmed that Hunter died of natural causes in his sleep, surrounded by family and his rescue dog.
Hunter’s career began in the mid‑1950s when he joined CBC Television’s Country Hoedown as a rhythm guitarist. The show, which aired from 1956 to 1965, introduced him to a national audience and helped him build a reputation as a dependable performer. In 1960 he launched a daily lunchtime radio program on CBC that blended country and pop music.
At 28, Hunter was granted his own television series, The Tommy Hunter Show, which premiered in 1965. The program ran for 27 years, ending in 1992, and became the longest‑running music program in North America at the time of its cancellation. The show was noted for its family‑friendly format, strict avoidance of profanity, and a mix of established stars and emerging talent. Guests over the years included Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Anne Murray, Trisha Yearwood, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, the Judds, Hank Snow, Clint Black, Martina McBride, and a young Shania Twain.
Hunter’s own recordings were released on Columbia and its Harmony label during the 1960s and 1970s. He achieved chart success with singles such as “Travellin’ Man” – which also served as the theme for his television show – “Cup of Disgrace,” “Walk With Your Neighbour,” “Born to be a Gypsy,” and “The Battle of the Little Big Horn.” In 1970 he received a Juno Award for top male country artist.
After the CBC show ended, Hunter continued touring, performing up to 70 dates a year. He underwent successful prostate‑cancer surgery in 2004 and, in 2010, announced plans for a final Canadian tour scheduled for 2011‑2012. He stated that he wanted to finish while he still felt capable of meeting audience expectations.
In addition to his musical achievements, Hunter was recognized for his service to the country music community. He was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and was appointed to the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada.
Hunter was also known for his charitable work. He supported the Humane Society and other rescue‑dog charities, a commitment that extended to his own rescue dog who was with him at the time of his death.
He is survived by three children, four grandchildren and one great‑grandchild. The family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and colleagues.
Hunter’s death marks the end of a career that helped shape Canadian country music and brought the genre into mainstream households for more than three decades. His legacy lives on through the recordings he left behind, the artists he introduced, and the standards he set for television presentation of country music.
The Canadian Press reported the death on July 3, 2026. No further details about funeral arrangements have been released.
Hunter’s career began in the mid‑1950s when he joined CBC Television’s Country Hoedown as a rhythm guitarist. The show, which aired from 1956 to 1965, introduced him to a national audience and helped him build a reputation as a dependable performer. In 1960 he launched a daily lunchtime radio program on CBC that blended country and pop music.
At 28, Hunter was granted his own television series, The Tommy Hunter Show, which premiered in 1965. The program ran for 27 years, ending in 1992, and became the longest‑running music program in North America at the time of its cancellation. The show was noted for its family‑friendly format, strict avoidance of profanity, and a mix of established stars and emerging talent. Guests over the years included Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Anne Murray, Trisha Yearwood, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, the Judds, Hank Snow, Clint Black, Martina McBride, and a young Shania Twain.
Hunter’s own recordings were released on Columbia and its Harmony label during the 1960s and 1970s. He achieved chart success with singles such as “Travellin’ Man” – which also served as the theme for his television show – “Cup of Disgrace,” “Walk With Your Neighbour,” “Born to be a Gypsy,” and “The Battle of the Little Big Horn.” In 1970 he received a Juno Award for top male country artist.
After the CBC show ended, Hunter continued touring, performing up to 70 dates a year. He underwent successful prostate‑cancer surgery in 2004 and, in 2010, announced plans for a final Canadian tour scheduled for 2011‑2012. He stated that he wanted to finish while he still felt capable of meeting audience expectations.
In addition to his musical achievements, Hunter was recognized for his service to the country music community. He was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and was appointed to the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada.
Hunter was also known for his charitable work. He supported the Humane Society and other rescue‑dog charities, a commitment that extended to his own rescue dog who was with him at the time of his death.
He is survived by three children, four grandchildren and one great‑grandchild. The family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and colleagues.
Hunter’s death marks the end of a career that helped shape Canadian country music and brought the genre into mainstream households for more than three decades. His legacy lives on through the recordings he left behind, the artists he introduced, and the standards he set for television presentation of country music.
The Canadian Press reported the death on July 3, 2026. No further details about funeral arrangements have been released.
