Dame Vera Lynn has died aged 103.
The news has been confirmed by her long-time family friend Susan Fleet.
Known as the “Forces Sweetheart”, the dame was beloved by the military up and down the UK thanks to her stunning vocals.
During World War II, the London-born singer rose to fame with songs such as We’ll Meet Again and (There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover.
Starting her career at the tender age of 15, Vera travelled Europe and Africa during the war, performing for troops as part of the Entertainments National Service Association.
Dame Vera Lynn has died at the age of 103 (Image: GETTY IMAGES)
Once the war ended, her music career continued to thrive, as she doted upon by servicemen who remembered how she’d boost their morale on the battlefields.
The late Dame released her final single I Love This Land in 1982, during the Falklands War.
Back in 2009, Vera became the oldest living artist to top the Brit music charts with a compilation album of her landmark tracks.
She was known as the ‘Forces Sweetheart’, wowing the military with her stunning vocals (Image: EMI)
After moving to Sussex in the 60s, Vera spent the remainder of her life there, raising her daughter Virginia Penelope Anne Lewis.
Her husband, musician Harry Lewis, tragically died back in 1998.
Vera will be fondly remembered for her generous contributions to charity over the years, putting her name to organisations supporting sufferers of breast cancer and cerebral palsy.
She also actively supported refugees, and campaigned against pigeon-racing, branding it “utterly cruel”.
Before her milestone 102nd birthday, Vera declared: “I am looking forward to having a glass of bubbly, but I am not sure whether they will be able to fit all 102 candles on my cake.”
Our thoughts go out to Vera’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
