Anne Murray and Tommy Hunter are just two of the many singers paying tribute today to Rita MacNeil, who has died suddenly at the age of 68. Murray is remembering MacNeil as a "dear sweet woman" and a gifted singer-songwriter who represented women and her beloved Nova Scotia eloquently in her songs. Those are words being echoed by the manager of the Astor Theatre in Liverpool. MacNeil packed the Astor Theatre in Liverpool on two occasions in 2009 and 2011 and Chris Ball says he will never forget his experience with her.MacNeil also held a concert in Lockeport in 2009 and that venue was also packed with her legion of fans. She died last night following complications from surgery. MacNeil leaves behind two adult children.