Hours after the death of longtime Vancouver Canucks play-by-play announcer Jim Robson on February 10, 2026, Grammy-winning crooner and “The Voice” coach Michael Bublé posted an emotional tribute to the Canadian broadcasting great.
“Today I lost one of my heroes,” Bublé said somberly, noting that although he’s been inspired by many people musically, Robson’s broadcasting voice and presence in his life were particularly meaningful to him. In a heartfelt video, Bublé spoke about Robson and sent love to his family, including Robson’s daughter, Jennifer Butler, who told CBC News that her 91-year-old dad died following a short illness.
Michael Bublé Calls Jim Robson the ‘Greatest Ever’ Play-by-Play Announcer
Dressed casually in a hoodie and ball cap, Bublé — a native Canadian and huge hockey fan — shared a selfie video that was both somber and celebratory, as he recalled how much joy Robson brought to his life.
“I think he was the epitome of class and a gentleman, and I think he lived his life that way,” Bublé said. “And as a Canucks fan, as a hockey fan, we’ve had some bad luck. But in that way, we had the greatest. I think the greatest ever.”
“The legacy he leaves is huge,” Bublé continued. “The fact that he went on and we got Jim Houson and John Shorthouse — I think these guys respected him and loved him, and they really did carry his legacy. We’re so lucky as fans to have the greatest play-by-play guys ever.”
“Jim, I thank you on behalf of the NHL, all hockey fans, Canuck fans, sports fans,” the hitmaker said. “Thank you for being such a big part of my life … you mean everything to me.”
Bublé indicated he knew Robson personally, noting, “Man, to get to know you, to get to write with you and correspond with you, was an honor. Not just for me, but for my dad and family. We are so sorry for the loss for your family, but Jim, you live on forever, man. I love you so much.”
Michael Bublé Says Jim Robson ‘Changed My Life’
GettyAccording to CBC News, Robson announced over 2,000 NHL games during his 47-year broadcasting career and was the Canucks’ first play-by-play announcer, beginning with their first major league game in October 1970 until his retirement in 1999.
During all that time, Robson “never missed a broadcast due to illness,” according to the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame.
CBC News reported that in January 2025, on Robson’s 90th birthday, he told CBC Radio that he still felt he could have improved many of his calls, noting, “Every time I hear those clips, I think how I could make them a little better.”
But Bublé would surely dispute that, given that he thanked Robson in his video for “painting such an incredible picture” during his radio broadcasts, and declaring that he made “some of the greatest calls of all time.”
Before adding footage from one of Robson’s famous calls to his video, Bublé concluded his remarks by saying, “You were a genius and a gentleman, and I don’t know if there’s any more I can say — you just changed my life, and I love that I can just tell you how much you meant to me. Rest in peace, Jim.”
