Sir Tom Jones' wife of 59 years has died after a “short but fierce" cancer illness.
Lady Melinda Rose Woodward, who was known as Linda, passed away at hospital in Los Angeles on Sunday morning surrounded by her husband and loved ones, a statement said.
"Sir Tom and his family have asked for privacy at this difficult time," it continued.
The singer recently cancelled a string of international tour dates including in Japan and the UAE due to a "serious illness in his immediate family".
Sir Tom and Lady Melinda married in 1957 when they were 16. Both the children of coal miners, the pair both grew up in Pontypridd in south Wales and started dating at the age of 15 having known each other since they were 12. The couple has one son, Mark who is also the "Delilah" singer's manager, who was born shortly after they married.
Additional reporting by the Press Association.
