Folk singer Kate McGarrigle died at the age of 63 this week after succumbing to sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. McGarrigle was diagnosed in 2006, but had fought the illness and even played a Christmas gig with her family in London. Her son Rufus Wainwright, who had cancelled gigs because of his mother's failing health, paid tribute to her on his website, calling her "my sweet and valiant explorer".