Irish singer and TV entertainer Val Doonican has died aged 88.
His family told the BBC that he died “peacefully” on Wednesday night.
The crooner was a big star in the 1960s and was a regular fixture on the BBC with the Val Doonican Show, which featured singing performances by artists.
He was married to Lynnette with whom he had two daughters.
The family said: “Until 87, he was as fit as a flea. It was just old age, I’mafraid – the batteries ran out.”
Singer and actress Elaine Paige said on Twitter: “Sad to hear of Val Doonican’s passing … RIP Val” and posted a clip of the pair singing Can’t Get Used To Losing You from 1983.
Doonican’s big break came when he was booked to play Sunday Night at the LondonPalladium, which helped him get a record contract.
He had a string of hits in the 1960s and 70s with songs such as Walk Tall, The Special Years, What Would I Be, and Elusive Butterfly.
He recorded more than fifty albums, sold millions of records and won a legion of fans worldwide with his laidback style.
He became a television favourite with his programme, The Val Doonican Show, which ran from 1965 to 1986. He would appear each week in a rocking chair as he sang classic pop songs in an easy-listening style.
Adrian Walsh, an Irish comedian who opened for Doonican, said on Twitter:”Spent four years as opening act for Val Doonican, he was one of the greats onand off stage. Thank you for your friendship. Rest in peace Sir.”