"A beautiful and caring human who loved her people": Tributes pour in as Sass Jordan, Canadian Idol judge and rock-blues icon, dies at 65

Sass Jordan 2016 - Source: Getty
Sass Jordan 2016 - Source: Getty

Canadian rock singer and songwriter Sass Jordan has died at age 65. Following her passing, Jordan's friends and family announced her death on her Instagram page, saying she died peacefully while surrounded by her loved ones.

"On 2 October 2026, surrounded by her loving family, Sass Jordan peacefully crossed over to the other side. She remains in our hearts, an inimitable force of nature. An irreplaceable being of light and joy!"

Amidst the sad news, fellow musicians shared tributes on social media.


From Ian Moore to Glenn Hughes and more: Celebrities, friends mourn the loss of Sass Jordan

Mikey Bustos, Filipino-Canadian YouTuber and comedian, took to his social media page to honor the rock-blues icon. He wrote:

"So saddened by the loss of the incredible Sass Jordan. Round after round on Canadian Idol, she met me with constant encouragement and positive words right until the end. When self-doubt would creep in, she was the judge who gave me real hope and made me feel like I truly belonged on that stage. That meant a lot to me and that's how I will always remember her."

The celebrity also thanked the late singer for her "energy, your kindness, and your music," and concluded his message:

"You made us all believers. Rest easy, Sass."

Fellow rock-blues artist Ian Moore also paid tribute to Sass Jordan in a heartfelt Facebook message, alongside a throwback photo of the two of them.

"So sad to hear about the passing of my dear friend Sass Jordan. We met early in our careers and became fast friends. She was an amazing performer, but ever more so, a beautiful and caring human who loved her people. We kept in touch over the years, always grateful when our paths crossed. My heart goes out especially to Derek and the rest of her family, but also to all those who knew her through her powerful music. An [absolute] legend with the rarest of hearts."

The post was also set to Jordan's 1992 hit, You Don't Have to Remind Me.

Meanwhile, Deep Purple bassist Glenn Hughes said he was "heartbroken" by Jordan's death, remembering their friendship and time making music together.

"So suddenly, I'm heartbroken. A true friend. We had so much love, joy and laughter, and music together."

Canadian alternative rock singer Bif Naked also paid tribute, writing:

"Love you, sweet lady. Love you forever."

Rock band The Northern Pikes took to Facebook to express its condolences.

"The Pikes send our condolences to Sass Jordan's family and friends and our thoughts will be with her this Friday October 9 at Fallsview Casino where she was originally a part of the lineup with The Northern Pikes, ODDS and The Pursuit Of Happiness."

Jazz and rock pianist Mike Garson wrote that he was "honored" to perform alongside Jordan.

"I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of Sass Jordan. Sass and I had the joy of working together on our A Bowie Celebration tours. She was an extraordinary singer, but what I remember just as much was the person behind that unmistakable voice. She had a great heart, a wonderful spirit, an incredible feel for the music, and a wicked sense of humor. She was an absolute joy to work with, both onstage and off. When Sass joined us, she said that performing Bowie's music every night felt like 'playing a love letter to his memory.' It was an honor to share those nights and that music with her."

The Go-Go's Kathy Valentine described Jordan as "such a powerhouse" and called the news very sad.

Sass Jordan - Source: Getty
Sass Jordan - Source: Getty

As of writing, Jordan's cause of death has not been announced.

Jordan had canceled several performances in Ontario and Quebec City in September because of health issues.

Thunder Bay Auditorium previously informed fans that Jordan had suffered from a severe illness and had been instructed by doctors to take a back seat in her professional life for the rest of 2026.

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Edited by Gladys Altamarino