UPDATE 17/11/16: Leonard Cohen’s cause of death has been revealed by his manager.
ORIGINAL STORY: With the terrible news of Leonard Cohen‘s death has come heartfelt tributes, from all across the globe. Messages have been flooding in fast for a poet and music great that will be sorely, sorely missed.
The legacy and influence of Leonard Cohen’s words and music is far-reaching and enduring, a sentiment many of us are reflecting on as news of the music great’s death continues to ricochet across the globe.
Musicians like Questlove, Bette Midler, Frank Iero, Ben Folds and Hamilton’s Lin Manuel Miranda have all shared their respects for Cohen and the work he created, many through Cohen’s own words.
Interestingly, earlier this year, Leonard Cohen penned a beautifully written letter to his dear, dying friend and muse Maryanne Ihlen. As The Guardian reports, the pair become lovers in the 1960’s and remained dear friends throughout their lives. When informed of Marryanne’s condition, a letter arrived for Maryanne within just 2 hours. It read:
“Well Marianne it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon. Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine.
“And you know that I’ve always loved you for your beauty and your wisdom, but I don’t need to say anything more about that because you know all about that. But now, I just want to wish you a very good journey. Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road.”
Now the music community and world at large are still coming to terms with losing one of history’s most creative and profound talents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmPUu-rMpWA
Questlove:
Dog…*sigh* all due respect to the gawd. #LeonardCohen https://t.co/srZKlHvBk2
— Plug 5. (@questlove) November 11, 2016
Bette Midler:
Leonard Cohen has died. Another magical voice stilled.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) November 11, 2016
KD Lang:
Thank you Leonard Cohen ??
Swift rebirth my friend.— k.d. lang (@kdlang) November 11, 2016
Moby:
Marc Maron:
RIP Leonard Cohen. He got out just in time.
— marc maron (@marcmaron) November 11, 2016
Drapht:
RIP Cohen. May your brilliance live on through your work.
— Drapht (@Drapht) November 11, 2016
Frank Iero:
goddamnit 2016. #RIP https://t.co/GRo6S1cacE
— frnkiero: Party (goth) Dad (@FrankIero) November 11, 2016
Patton Oswalt:
Leonard Cohen dying is so goddamned symbolic right now. You just don't let up, do you 2016?
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) November 11, 2016
Lin Manuel Miranda:
"Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried, in my way, to be free."
-Leonard Cohen— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) November 11, 2016
"Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried, in my way, to be free."
-Leonard Cohen— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) November 11, 2016
Ben Folds:
Kids. Take a moment to listen to Leonard Cohen's song Going Home when you can. RIP L Cohen and thank you.
— benjamin folds (@BenFolds) November 11, 2016
Holly Throsby:
Leonard Cohen, my first true music love. Heart exploding today. Rest In Peace.
— Holly Throsby (@hollythrosby) November 11, 2016