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Christy Dignam has died following a prolonged illness and his daughter announced the news in a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook.
“On behalf of my family, it is with a broken heart that we convey the news of my father’s passing, Christy Dignam,” his daughter, Kiera wrote.
“Dad peacefully left us where he wanted to, at home today 4pm Tuesday, June 13th 2023, after a courageously long-fought battle, surrounded by his family.”
“Let us all hold him in our hearts and cherish the remarkable life of a talented singer, great storyteller and amazing person,” she wrote on the post that was signed – Kathryn, Kiera, Darren, Cian, Ava, Jake and our extended family.
Ms Dignam has asked for the family’s “need for privacy” to be honoured at this “immensely painful period”.
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In a statement, Christy’s Aslan bandmates said: “We are devastated to have lost not just our band member, but our friend Christy, that we have had so many years of sharing our lives with.
“The band and Christy’s family, ask for you to respect their privacy at this time.”
In 2013, the singer revealed that he had been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder cancer.
In January of this year, Dignam’s family announced that he was receiving palliative care at home.
He was admitted to Beaumont Hospital in July last year and spent six months in the care of the haematology and cardiac care team.
President Michael D Higgins has led tributes Mr Dignam, saying he and his Aslan bandmates “made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of our nation”.
“People across Ireland and beyond will have heard with great sadness of the death of Christy Dignam,” President Higgins said.
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“Over recent years, all of us have been struck by the dignity with which Christy lived with his illness and admired his dedication in continuing to both perform and record, including his 2021 solo album, despite the challenges which he faced. It is hard to believe that he has left us,” he added.
Music manager Louis Walsh said Christy was a “real talent”.
“He had a great career in Ireland which is a hard thing to do. Songs like ‘Crazy World’ and ‘This Is’ will go on forever – they’re like anthems now. It’s terrible,” he told Independent.ie.
“Everybody knew him and everybody liked him as well. He never got carried away by his fame as well, which is unusual in this industry. He was just a normal Dublin guy with a great talent and his songs will be remembered for years to come,” he added.
“I admired him and always thought he should have been an international star but he always seemed to have been happy living in Dublin and there’s a lot to be said for that too.”
Tributes have also poured in online via social media with fans giving their condolences.
A Twitter user wrote: “A true son of Dublin and a heart as big as Ireland. Waltz in paradise Christy.”
Another person penned: “R.I.P Christy Dignam. It’s a sad, sad day.”
A third person commented: “Rest in peace Christy Dignam. One of the greatest frontman Ireland ever had. I first met him in Temple Bar rehearsal studios in 1987 and was lucky enough to play keyboards for him a good few times over the years. He didn’t just sing a song, he “lived it” and that is special.”
In April, Christy said he planned to squeeze every last drop out of it “until my heart stops”.
Speaking to Ryan Tubridy on RTÉ Radio 1, the singer said he had a “brilliant life” with Aslan, and “when it was good, it was absolutely amazing”.
“There’s no feeling on earth like somebody singing your songs back to you,” he said.
