Val Doonican, Irish singer, dies at 88

[wendy]

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Irish singer and TV entertainer Val Doonican has died aged 88.

His family said he died "peacefully" at a nursing home in Buckinghamshire. He had not been ill, but his daughter said his "batteries had just run out".

The performer was a regular fixture on TV with The Val Doonican show which ran on the BBC from 1965 to 1986, featuring his own performances and guest artists.

He was also rarely out of the UK charts in the 1960s and '70s with songs like Walk Tall and Elusive Butterfly.

In the album chart, he had five successive top 10 records.

In a statement, his family said: "He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by family, friends and his many fans."

Born in Waterford, Ireland, Doonican's career took off after he was booked to appear on Sunday Night at the Palladium in 1963.

It led him to be offered his own BBC show - for which he became known for his trademark rocking chair, colourful jumpers and cardigans - and kick-started his recording career.

His other hits included The Special Years, What Would I Be and If The Whole World Stopped Loving. He also sang the theme song for the film Ring of Bright Water.

Doonican stopped performing in 2009 after more than 60 years in showbusiness.

He is survived by his wife Lynn, daughters Sarah and Fiona and grandchildren Bethany and Scott.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33363938

[maureenho]

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[annie]

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[Rosalind]

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[Honey]

This song always cheered me up.
Great entertainer, so very sad to hear of his passing.
ca99 eas589
My deepest and sincere sympathy to his family.
My Mum was born in Waterford too .
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