Chris Rea, the iconic singer-songwriter best known for the Christmas favorite Driving Home for Christmas, has died at the age of 74. He passed away on December 22, 2025, after a “short illness.” With his instantly recognizable voice and a catalog of timeless songs, Rea’s music became a permanent part of the holiday soundtrack for generations of fans.
Chris Rea’s family background
Born in March 1951, Chris Rea was raised in Middlesbrough by his Irish mother and Italian father. He grew up in a big household, sharing his childhood with two brothers and four sisters, according to The Sun. While he went on to enjoy huge success in music, family always remained an important part of his life.
Reports say his wife, Joan, was by his side when he wrote Driving Home for Christmas. The couple had two daughters together, Josephine and Julia.
Following his passing, a spokesperson for Rea’s wife and daughters shared a statement that read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
Chris Rea’s net worth and career highlights
As per Celebrity Net Worth, Chris Rea had an estimated fortune of $80 million at the time of his death.
Over the course of his career, he sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. His major breakthrough in the UK came with the hit song The Road to Hell, which was inspired by the frustration of sitting in heavy traffic on London’s M25 motorway, The Sun reported.
Rea faced serious health challenges later in life. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2000 and underwent surgery, followed by ongoing issues including diabetes. Even so, he continued working when he could. In 2016, he suffered a stroke that affected movement in his arms and fingers and slightly altered his speech, according to the outlet. Despite these setbacks, his musical legacy continued to resonate with fans around the world.
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