Tom Jones' wife dies after 'short but fierce battle with cancer'

Sir Tom Jones was mourning the loss of his wife Linda on Sunday (10Apr16) following a battle with cancer.

Lady Melinda Rose Woodward, who was married to the star for 59 years, passed away at the Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles after a "short but fierce battle with cancer", Tom's publicist confirmed on Monday (11Apr16).

According to the Welsh crooner's official website Melinda, known as Linda, died peacefully "surrounded by her husband and loved ones" aged 75.

Tom, 75, had recently pulled out of a string of concerts in Asia and the United Arab Emirates due to a "serious illness in his immediate family" but the identity of the family member was not disclosed.

"He extends his deepest apologies to both the organisers and the fans, who he is most sad to disappoint," read the statement, which was issued at the start of April (16).

Linda has twice battled cancer and developed lung condition emphysema due to a heavy smoking habit.

The musician revealed in an interview with The Sunday Times magazine last year (15), that Linda also suffered from depression, saying, "I've realised she's had a depression since she was young. She's always had a touch of it."

He also said she was agoraphobic and needed a stairlift to get upstairs.

They had one son, Mark, who was born in 1957. Mark now works as his father's manager.