Chris Rea, the British musician known for the seasonal hit Driving Home for Christmas, died shortly before Christmas after a short but severe illness. He had been battling serious health issues for years, which significantly affected his life, including diabetes, kidney disease, and pancreatic cancer. His cancer was diagnosed in 2001, and following a major operation during which his pancreas was removed, he continued to create music actively.
His health condition worsened in 2016 when he suffered a stroke, although in 1994 he had undergone a complex operation for an abscess in the large intestine. That procedure involved the removal of his pancreas, duodenum, and gallbladder, along with part of his liver. Despite these serious medical challenges, Rea managed to maintain a long and successful private life.
The musician and his wife, Joan, had known each other since their teenage years, and together they spent 57 years in marriage. During that time, they had two daughters, Josephine and Julia. Their marriage was marked by long-standing devotion to one another, as is evident from the late musician’s final wishes.
Chris Rea expressed in his will that he wished to be cremated, leaving a multimillion-pound inheritance to his wife, Joan. The estate she inherited was valued at £14,435,894 (approximately €16.9 million). After deducting taxes and other charges, the net value of the estate was £12,063,178 (approximately €14.1 million).
According to media reports, Joan will inherit all future revenue from the broadcasting of Rea’s music. This means that her financial standing will be secured through long-term royalties from his works, including his most famous Christmas hit. This decision reflects his care for her future following his death.
