Cape Breton Mourns Death of Canadian Singer Rita MacNeil

Flags are flying at half mast on Wednesday on the island of Cape Breton.

They’re there to honor local singer Rita MacNeil.

She died last night at the age of 68.

MacNeil sold out shows around the world and won numerous Juno awards – Canada’s Grammy Awards.

But she stayed connected to the coal mining country of Cape Breton.

One of her biggest hits was a tune called “Working Man” – a tribute to Cape Breton miners.

Rita MacNeil was one of Canada’s best known singer-songwriters.

In the 1990s she hosted a variety show on TV called Rita and Friends.

Fans loved her for her down-to-earth charm.