Hours after Queen Elizabeth II`s death at the age of 96 was announced, Elton John, who enjoyed the closest relationship with the Royal Family of any music artiste, paid tribute at his concert in Toronto. "We have the saddest news about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth," he said.

"She was an inspiring person to be around -- I`ve been around her and she was fantastic. She led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine care and warmth. "I`m 75 -- she`s been with me all my life and I feel very sad that she won`t be with me anymore. But I`m glad she`s at peace, and I`m glad she`s at rest, and she deserves it because she`s worked bloody hard," he continued as the audience cheered, reports `Variety`.