Chris Rea, the singer-songwriter behind Driving Home For Christmas, passed away on December 22 after a brief illness. His devastated family made the announcement earlier this week.
It has been revealed that Chris Rea’s family experienced both tragedy and joy in his final months. Following a brief illness, the Driving Home For Christmas star passed away on December 22 at the age of 74.
Early this week, the singer-songwriter’s family announced the depressing news in a statement. However, it has now been revealed that Chris’ passing was not the only tragedy the family has experienced recently because he was the third of his siblings to pass away in just three months.
Nicholas, Chris’ brother, was the youngest of seven when he was found dead in a hospital in October after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He was 66 years old. The family’s sister Geraldine, who was Chris’ older sister Camille Whitaker’s twin sister, passed away suddenly days after Nicholas’ funeral.
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It is painful, according to Camille Whitaker of the Daily Mail. What transpired is absolutely devastating. It shocked the family a lot. However, Chris’s sad passing also brought some happy family news as he became a grandfather after his first grandchild was born recently.
Camille, Chris’ sibling, said: “He has two daughters and he recently became a grandfather, to a boy, and he was very, very pleased. She continued, “That was wonderful. One of his songs was inspired by his eldest child, Josephine.
And Julia, his second daughter, is the woman who wed and gave birth.
Before his death, singer Chris was alleged to have had “terrible, terrible health” and had been unwell for a while. His family reported the depressing news earlier this week via Press Association.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris, according to a statement from Chris’ family. He was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully in a hospital earlier today after a brief illness.
Just hours before his death, a social media post was shared on Chris’s Instagram page – showing a snowy motorway as motorists made their way home for the festive period.
A highway sign read: “Driving home for Christmas with a thousand memories.” Speaking on Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing, Chris said of his huge single five years ago: “I just thought I’d drive home for Christmas, I was on the dole when I wrote that.
My now wife Joan had to drive down to London, pick me up in the Mini, and drive me home after I had just left. And that’s when I created it.
When he described the iconic song as a “beautiful little holiday in the Maldives,” he expressed how he felt when he heard it. I wish I could be a better pop star because I’m not very good. When I look at Sting and other people like that, I think, “I wish I was like him.” He continued, “loved Christmas” and always planned out a large tree and a “fine assortment” of wines for the occasion.
Source: Mirror
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