Dame Vera Lynn has died aged 103, her family have confirmed.
A statement said: “The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103.
“Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family.”
It comes after The Queen used her iconic wartime song We’ll Meet Again earlier this year during her speech to the nation amidst the coronavirus crisis.
Tributes have poured in for the beloved singer, with Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan writing: “Oh no…. what terribly sad news.
(Image: Getty Images)
Dame Vera Lynn has died, aged 103.
“A magnificent woman who rallied our country when we most needed it.
“The Forces sweetheart. The Nation’s sweetheart. RIP.”
Actress Miriam Margolyes said: “Dame Vera never lost her reality. The voice like a bell was a gift, which she shared so generously and bravely.
(Image: S&G and Barratts/EMPICS Archive)
But the magic was that her personality was genuine, open, warm. Meeting her was one of the high points of my life.
“She looked at you & SAW you. And connected. There is no one in our lives, except The Queen, who had the power to connect a nation.
“For that, she will be remembered & always with love.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Dame Vera Lynn’s charm and magical voice entranced and uplifted our country in some of our darkest hours.
“Her voice will live on to lift the hearts of generations to come.”
(Image: ITV)
Songwriter Sir Tim Rice said: “Dame Vera Lynn was one of the greatest ever British popular singers, not just because of her immaculate voice, warm, sincere, instantly recognisable and musically flawless.
“She will be remembered just as affectionately for her vital work in the Second World War and for her own Charitable Foundations in the 75 years since. A link with more certain times has been irrevocably broken.”
Lorraine Kelly said on TV today: “This is so, so sad. She had recently reissued the single, she was talking about Colonel Tom.
(Image: ITV)
“She was at the forefront of our minds, this is very sad.”
BBC’s Dan Walker said: “I remember my grandparents talking about how much they admired Dame Vera Lynn and a few weeks ago we were talking to people on BBC breakfast who are still inspired by her songs today.
“What an impact she had on so many generations… and what a life.
The Royal British Legion posted: “We are incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Dame Vera Lynn, an unforgettable British icon, symbol of hope to the Armed Forces Community past and present, and much loved longstanding Legion supporter.
“Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”
The singer was known as The Queen’s favourite singer, and was most remembered for her songs We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and There’ll Always Be an England.
In 2009, at age 92, she became the oldest living artist to top the UK Albums Chart with We’ll Meet Again: The Very Best of Vera Lynn.
In 2017 she also released the album Vera Lynn 100, which reached number 3, making her the oldest recording artist in the world and first centenarian performer to have an album in the charts.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
