According to Gordon Lightfoot's publicist late Thursday afternoon, rumors of the famed Canadian songwriter's death have been greatly exaggerated.

The storm of news reports appear to have started after The National Post published an article that appeared to have Lightfoot's friend Ronnie Hawkins confirming the rumour.

Other reports mention that the rumour began as a prank on Twitter.

Lightfoot himself called in to CP24 at 3:15pm. He said that he heard about his "death" earlier on the radio. "I haven't gotten that much airplay of my music in weeks," he joked.

A media release is expected soon to put the death rumours to rest.