HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Raylene Rankin, a member of the Canadian Celtic music group The Rankin Family, has died of cancer at the age of 52.
Marlene Palmer, the group’s tour publicist, said Heather Rankin, Raylene’s sister, confirmed the death Sunday.
Raylene Rankin and four siblings formed the group more than 20 years ago, originally under the name The Rankins. They are credited with taking east-coast Canadian Celtic music to the mainstream.
Heather Rankin said in a statement sent to Palmer that her sister fought a long and courageous battle with grace and dignity and was an inspiration.
The band has won a slew of awards including 15 East Coast Music Awards, six Juno Awards and three Canadian Country Music Awards. Raylene has also scored several awards as a solo artist.