Justin Trudeau gave an emotional tribute to the late Gordon Downie, where he wept as he spoke about how "we knew" his death was coming but "hoped it wasn't".

The Canadian Prime Minister delivered the touching eulogy for one of the country's most beloved artists.

Downie, frontman of iconic rock band The Tragically Hip, died on Tuesday 17 October aged 53 after living with cancer for two years.

He was a well-known figure in Canada and loved for his lyrics, patriotism and charity work.

Speaking on behalf of himself, his wife, and Canada, Trudeau wept openly as he remembered the man he described as "my friend".

"We lost one of the very best of us this morning. Gord was my friend, but Gord was everyone's friend. Our buddy Gord, who loved this country with everything he had, and not just loved it in a nebulous 'oh I love Canada' way. He loved every hidden corner, every story, every aspect of this country that he celebrated his whole life.

"He wanted to make it better. He knew as great as we were, we needed to be better than we are... This is certainly something that I've drawn inspiration and strength from.

"We are less as a country, without Gord Downie in it. We all knew it was coming, but we hoped it wasn't."

Realising the tears were rolling down his face Trudeau laughed sadly and said: "I thought I was going to make it through this but I'm not. It hurts."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weeps as he pays tribute to late musician Gord Downie (Reuters/Screengrab)

The Tragically Hip confirmed the news of Downie's death in a statement on their website.

"[Last night] Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by," the statement read.

"Gord knew this day was coming - his response was to spend this precious time as he always had - making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss... on the lips."