Rufus Wainwright, son of Kate McGarrigle, has had to cancel his Australian tour because his mother his critically ill.
Kate McGarrigle was married to Loudon Wainwright III and is also the mother of singer songwriter Martha Wainwright.The Canadian singer is best known for her work with her sister Anna as The McGarrigle Sisters.
Linda Ronstadt, Billy Bragg and Emmylou Harris have covered songs by the McGarrigle Sisters. They also sang backing vocals on Nick Cave’s 2001 album No More Shall We Part.
The McGarrigle Sisters were recognized for their work by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993 and awarded the Order of Canada.
At this stage it is unknown what Kate is suffering from but it was enough for Rufus to cancel the entire Australian tour which was due to get underway next month.
Martha Wainwright has no shows scheduled.
