Icon of Canadian music, country singer Rita MacNeil has passed away after complications stemming from surgery. Known for her powerful songwriting and unique back story, Rita has been referred to by some as “Canada’s First Lady of Song.”

Born with a cleft palate, raised an abusive home and constantly battling self-image problems, Rita MacNeil braved her insecurities and became a burgeoning feminist voice out of Canada. Her recording career did not begin until she was in her forties, and made her first performance in 1971. Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s she performed at various folk festivals and gained notoriety throughout the country and folk music community. Despite overwhelming talent, she claims to have continuously battled her own brutal self-consciousness, and taking the stage was always a difficult endeavor. She joined several women’s groups and attended meetings (some of which were being closely monitored by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police). She stressed the importance of equal pay, and the necessity for an improved daycare system. Many of her songs were integral to the women’s equality movement in Canada.

Her breakthrough came in 1987 with the single “Flying On Your Own,” which went 2x Platinum. She followed the crossover hit with songs such as “Working Man” and “We’ll Reach the Sky Tonight.” By 1990 she was the best selling country artist in Canada, outselling the likes of Garth Brooks and Clint Black. She followed up the success with several recurring television specials, including a Christmas special.

Her hometown of Cape Breton is flying flags at half-mast in tribute to the singer. She was 68.