The music world is in mourning following the death of singer-songwriter Chris Rea, who passed away at the age of 74. A spokesperson confirmed the beloved musician died "peacefully in hospital" on Monday, 22 December 2025, following a short illness, surrounded by his family.
A Poignant Final Message
In a heartbreaking twist, the Middlesbrough-born artist had been actively engaging with fans online in the days leading up to his death. His final social media post, shared just hours before he died, made a direct reference to the song that defined his career for millions.
On Sunday, Rea uploaded a photograph of a car travelling through snow on a busy motorway. In the shot, a Variable Message Sign displayed the lyrics: "Driving home for Christmas with a thousand memories." He captioned the image himself, writing, "Top to toe in tailbacks ... If it’s a white Christmas, let’s hope the journey’s a smooth one."
The post was tagged with the hashtags #DrivingHomeForChristmas, #ChristmasSongs, and #ChrisRea, accompanied by a snowflake and a car emoji. The update now stands as a touching final farewell from the star to his global audience.
A Legacy Forged in Song
Chris Rea's 1988 hit, "Driving Home For Christmas," became an enduring festive anthem, soundtracking the holiday journeys of generations. However, his musical catalogue extended far beyond this seasonal staple. He was a respected guitarist and songwriter responsible for other major tracks including "On the Beach," "Let's Dance," and "The Road To Hell."
Despite his commercial success, Rea's later life was marked by significant health challenges. He had suffered from a series of serious conditions, including peritonitis, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes. It was reported that he needed to inject insulin up to seven times daily to manage his health.
In a past interview, Rea candidly discussed his struggles, revealing, "I’ve had nine major operations in ten years." He attributed much of his ill-health to retroperitoneal fibrosis, a rare condition where internal tissues attack each other. "It’s affected the colon, the pancreas, the gall bladder, the liver – and then I get a stroke," he explained.
Tributes Pour In For a 'Proper Legend'
News of his passing prompted an immediate and emotional outpouring from fans and peers across social media. One fan wrote on X: "Genuinely gutted to hear this. A proper Teesside legend. Safe drive home Chris..." Another added: "Talented, he was also a really nice guy... He’ll be missed."
Rea is survived by his wife, Joan Lesley, whom he had been with since their teenage years, and their two daughters, Josephine and Julia Christina. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
His final social media post, blending his iconic lyrics with a hopeful seasonal message, now serves as a fitting epitaph for an artist whose music became synonymous with Christmas spirit and reflection for fans around the world.
