Dame Vera Lynn death: Captain Tom Moore leads tributes to singer, dead at 103

‘We’ll Meet Again’ singer died this morning aged 103

Tributes have poured in for British singer Dame Vera Lynn, who has died at the age of 103.

The death of the “We’ll Meet Again” singer, who was known as the “Forces’ Sweetheart” during the Second World War, was announced by her family on Thursday (18 June).

“The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103,” a statement read. “Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family.”

Army veteran and NHS campaigner Captain Tom Moore led tributes to the singer, with a statement from the 100-year-old being shared to Twitter reading: “‘A real shame, I really thought Vera Lynn would live longer. She’s been speaking so well on TV recently. She had a huge impact on me in Burma and remained important to me throughout my life. My thoughts are with Dame Vera Lynn’s family at this sad time.”

BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker tweeted: “I remember my grandparents talking about how much they admired Dame Vera Lynn and a few weeks ago we were talking to people on BBC Breakfast who are still inspired by her songs today. What an impact she had on so many generations... and what a life.”

Meanwhile, Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan remembered Lynn as “a magnificent woman who rallied our country when we most needed it”.

Katherine Jenkins, who recently duetted with Lynn, shared a lengthy post to her Twitter reading: “I simply cannot find the words to explain just how much I adored this wonderful lady. Her voice brought comfort to millions in their darkest hours, her songs filled the nation’s hearts with hope, and her emotive performances, whether home or abroad, then or now, helped to get us through.

“There will never be another Dame Vera Lynn. Forces’ Sweetheart and our sweetheart. An icon. A legend. An inspiration. My mentor and my friend. I will miss you greatly and I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.”

Singer Aled Jones tweeted: “Sending all my love to the family of Dame Vera Lynn who has sadly passed away – it was such an honour to duet with her – a true legend,” adding the hashtag: “#wellmeetagain.”

“Dame Vera Lynn was one of the greatest ever British popular singers, not just because of her immaculate voice, warm, sincere, instantly recognisable and musically flawless,” musician Sir Tim Rice said.

“She will be remembered just as affectionately for her vital work in the Second World War and for her own Charitable Foundations in the 75 years since. A link with more certain times has been irrevocably broken.”