Chris Rea, known for his song Driving Home for Christmas, has died at the age of 74, his family has confirmed.
In a statement, his family says he passed away in hospital after a short illness. The statement issued on behalf of his wife and the couple’s two daughters read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
The Middlesbrough-born musician was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had his pancreas removed in 2001.
In 2016, he suffered a stroke.
Rea is survived by his wife, Joan, and their two daughters, Josephine and Julia. He and Joan had been together since they first met at the age of 16.
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