Bouctouche, New Brunswick – Paul Dwayne, a prominent figure in Acadian country music, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 61. Dwayne, who was widely known and loved as both a singer and songwriter, died on Monday during a camping trip in Campbellton, where he and his family were preparing to travel to Gaspésie.
His sudden death has left his family, friends, and fans in deep shock. James Després, also a country musician and Dwayne’s son, mentioned that his father had been dealing with heart issues for a long time, although the exact cause of death remains unknown. Despite his health concerns, Dwayne was reportedly in good spirits and had recently performed a concert, making his death all the more surprising.
Tributes have poured in on social media since Tuesday morning, with many expressing their sorrow at the loss of such a significant figure in the music community. Fellow country singer Hert LeBlanc remarked on the profound impact Dwayne had on Acadian country music, calling his death a major blow to the genre.
Robert Gauvin, an actor and provincial legislator, also shared his thoughts, describing Dwayne as an "incredible creative force" whose influence reached far beyond Acadie. Gauvin noted that Dwayne’s passing is a devastating loss for both the Acadian community and the entire province of New Brunswick.
The local cultural center, Le Pays de la Sagouine, offered its condolences to Dwayne’s family and fans, acknowledging the void his passing will leave in the Acadian country music scene. The Rogersville Bluegrass Festival, where Dwayne frequently performed, also issued a heartfelt message of sorrow. Organizers Norman and Jeanne Roy, along with their team, expressed how deeply saddened they were by the news, emphasizing how much Dwayne meant to them and their audience.
On Facebook, Joseph Paul Fournier shared, "This is so sad, open your wings and fly high, Jo-Jo Chenou, Paul Dwayne, from the bottom of my heart, all my sympathies to his family, friends, his fans, and his music family. He will surely be missed by a lot of people. Repose-En-Paix, Paul."
Others joined in expressing their grief, including Janie Duncan, who offered her "deepest condolences," and Krystle Macdonald Doiron, who recalled seeing Dwayne perform in Neguac last year and described it as a great show. Anise Charles Belliveau simply noted, "So sad," while Patricia Doiron and Anne Daigle added their sympathies.
Paul Dwayne’s death marks the end of an era for Acadian country music, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians. He will be remembered not only for his music but for the lasting impact he had on the cultural landscape of Acadie.