Leonard Cohen admits 'I'm ready to die' in interview just two months before his death
LEONARD COHEN spoke about being "ready to die" in his final ever interview conducted just two months before his death.
Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah
The legendary singer-songwriter passed away yesterday aged 82, just weeks after releasing his new album, You Want It Darker.
Speaking to the New Yorker from his home in Los Angeles in September, Cohen revealed he was experiencing deep fatigue after having a number of health problems.
The Canadian artist said: "The big change is the proximity to death. I am a tidy kind of guy. I like to tie up the strings if I can. If I can't, thats OK. But my natural thrust is to finish things that I've begun.
"I don't think I'll be able to finish these songs," he continued. "Maybe, who knows?"
Leonard Cohen died aged 82
The legendary singer-songwriter had just released his new album
"I am ready to die. I hope it's not too uncomfortable. That is about it for me."
As he talked about preparing for his death, he said: "I don't have that voice that says you are f***ed up, that is a tremendous blessing.
"I am ready to die. I hope it's not too uncomfortable. That is about it for me."
A statement was posted on Cohen's official Facebook page in the early hours of this morning which read: "It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away, We have lost one of music's most revered and prolific visionaries.
"A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief."
Cohen performing at Madison Square Garden
Cohen, a native of Quebec, had a music career spanning over 50 years and was also a great poet and author.
Fans are paying tribute to the giant of music by singing his famous songs by candlelight outside his Montreal home.
The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau posted a tribute on Twitter to the late star: "No other artist's music felt or sounded like Leonard Cohen's. Yet his work resonated across generations. Canada and the world will miss him."
Cohen's best-known song, Hallelujah (1984) has been covered by hundreds of artists, one being Jeff Buckley.
The Canadian had a music career spanning over 50 years
Leornard Cohen produced the song 'Hallelujah' now covered by hundreds of artists
The star has been hailed as the "high priest of pathos" and the "godfather of gloom", due to his struggle with depression which could be seen reflected in his lyrics.
The cause of death has not been confirmed at this time.
Cohen follows other legendary stars who have passed away the year including Prince, David Bowie and Beatles producer, Sir George Martin.
He is survived by a son and daughter from his relationship with Suzanne Elrod.