“All of Quebec is crying today,” said Prime Minister Legault. I feel that there are many Quebecers who would like to pay tribute to him and that is why the Quebec government is ready, if the family agrees, to hold a national funeral. I want all Quebecers who want to pay tribute to him to be able to do so. »
The government protocol team must contact those close to Karl Tremblay to inform them of their project. A first contact was made with the group’s agent. Prime Minister Legault said he wanted to speak to his widow Marie-Annick Lépine “taking care not to upset anyone” in these difficult times.
“The death of Karl Tremblay caused a huge shock in Quebec and since yesterday, I have felt an immense wave of love and sadness, I have rarely seen that here in Quebec,” François Legault began by saying, visibly moved. There is sadness, but also beauty. Because Karl was able to gather crowds, to show emotions very forcefully. »
The Prime Minister added that the Cowboys Fringants had composed some of the “most beautiful songs in history”.
“I think of Shooting Stars, and obviously, with his death, we understand that time passes like a shooting star, but also Autumn Song, I talk about it and I get chills… “How are you, my p ‘little sister? I’m glad you’re coming back. Worse, have you found happiness again? » Is there anything more beautiful than that? “, he asked.
Prime Minister Legault, who is also a member of Parliament for L’Assomption where the widow of Karl Tremblay (and member of the Cowboys), Marie-Annick Lépine, lives, as well as their two children, indicated that he wanted to continue discussions on “environmental” projects. » which he had discussed with Karl Tremblay and find a way to pay tribute to him in Repentigny. “We’re going to look at what we can do. »
What criteria guided the government in proposing a state funeral? “There’s something that maybe isn’t totally rational, but [like I said], you feel a huge wave of love and sadness and I don’t remember seeing that at the Quebec, replied Mr. Legault. I think that national funerals are there to meet the demand of Quebecers. And I feel that there is a great demand from many Quebecers who want to pay a last tribute to Karl. »
The last national funeral in Quebec dates back to May 2022, when hockey player Guy Lafleur died. In the cultural world, the impresario René Angélil (2016), the filmmaker Gilles Carle (2009), the painter Jean-Paul Riopelle (2002) and the poet Gaston Miron (1996) have also received this honor. Other public figures were offered a national commemoration ceremony. Among them, we note the former minister Lise Payette (2018), the painter Fernand Leduc (2014) and the filmmaker Michel Breault (2013).
Asked about his fondest memory of the Cowboys Fringants, Prime Minister Legault spoke of the presentation of the medal of honor to the National Assembly to highlight the group’s important contribution to the influence of French-speaking music.
“I’m not always present during the medal ceremonies,” he said, “but last May, we knew that Karl was ill, so I moved everything I had in my diary to pay homage to him. In the room, without it being planned, people started singing The Shooting Stars, and we felt a wave of love and incredible support. We wanted him to get through…”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the group’s ability to bring together several generations. “We know their songs by heart, they will continue to stick in our heads and make us think. There is a lot of tenderness and commitment, of Quebec nationalism in their songs. So I think we will never forget them. »
The flags will be flown at half-mast in several places as a sign of respect, notably in Quebec, Montreal and Repentigny, hometown of the Cowboys Fringants.
After a several-year battle with prostate cancer, singer Karl Tremblay died Wednesday at the age of 47.