Topic overview
In brief
- Chris Rea passed away on December 22, 2022, after a short illness.
- He left behind an estate of £12 million to his wife Joan and family.
- His music, especially 'Driving Home For Christmas,' continues to resonate with fans.
Summary
In the United Kingdom, Chris Rea, the renowned singer known for his hit song 'Driving Home For Christmas,' passed away on December 22, 2022, at the age of 74 after a brief illness. His death was announced by his wife, Joan, and their daughters, Josie and Julia, who expressed their immense sadness at the loss of their beloved family member. Following his passing, it was revealed that Chris Rea left behind a substantial estate valued at £14,435,894, which was reduced to £12,063,178 after accounting for taxes, debts, and costs. This amount was bequeathed primarily to his wife, Joan, along with all future royalties from his music and his personal belongings.
Chris Rea's will, signed just two months before his death in October 2022, also included his wishes for cremation. The singer had a long history of health issues, including peritonitis, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes, which had significantly impacted his life and career. He had been managing his diabetes with insulin injections multiple times a day since 2017. Despite these challenges, Rea's music continued to resonate with fans, particularly during the holiday season, as 'Driving Home For Christmas' has consistently reappeared on the UK Singles Chart since 2007, even reaching number 10 in 2021.