Shane MacGowan’s wife has shared a sweet message following his death (Picture: Marc O’Sullivan/REX/Shutterstock)
Shane MacGowan’s wife has shared a devastating, yet heart-warming message following his death.
The Pogues star died ‘peacefully’ at 3am on November 30 at the age of 65, just weeks before celebrating his 66th birthday on Christmas Day.
MacGowan had been in hospital since June but returned home shortly before his death.
The Irish songwriter’s wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, confirmed he died of pneumonia after previously suffering a devastating brain swelling condition.
Victoria – who married MacGowan in 2018 – kept fans updated on her late husband’s condition throughout his stay in hospital, from celebrity visitors to treatment milestones.
She has continued to stay connected with her followers in the wake of his death, now sharing another poignant tribute.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on Monday (December 4), the Irish journalist posted a sweet photo of the Fairytale of New York singer sitting in the car and smiling.
She wrote: ‘Shane was always able to smile right until the last and his smile had a way of lighting up everyone around him no matter how much he was struggling or in pain.
‘I hope this smile can still work its magic’.
Fans of the Christmas tune hitmaker were keen to shower his widow with love and compliment his bright smile.
‘His smile comes straight from his eyes’, one person replied.
The Pogues star sadly died last week at the age of 65 (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)
He married Victoria Mary Clarke in 2018 (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
‘Thanks for posting. I adored their music and Shane’s character mesmerised me. A loss to the music community. We need more honest genuine rogues’, another wrote.
Another person replied: ‘You wouldn’t know he’s in pain from this photo. That smile and cheeky glint in his eye come shining through. Thank you for sharing this picture with us.’
Her post comes after Victoria said MacGowan was ‘so determined to live only a few days ago’ before his death.
Alongside a snap of him in hospital, still beaming and keeping his spirits up despite his health woes, Victoria penned: ‘It’s so hard to believe that someone could be so vibrant and beautiful and so determined to live only a few days ago.’
‘But so many people are losing loved ones all over the world,’ she added. ‘My prayers are for all of you guys as Shane’s would be.’
MacGowan’s funeral details have also been revealed and it will be held in Tipperary on Friday (December 8).
The acclaimed musician will be celebrated at a mass in Nenagh, his family’s homeplace.
The mass will be open to the public.
As fans of The Pogues frontman honour him, his wife is supporting a campaign to get them to number one this Christmas.
The Pogues singer had been in hospital since June (Picture: Twitter)
MacGowan’s funeral will be held on Friday (Picture: Mark Large/ANL/REX/Shutterstock)
Fairytale of New York was originally released in 1987 and previously peaked at number two.
However, the gritty festive song has never reached the top spot in the UK.
After three decades on the radio, the iconic track is now the bookies’ favourite for Christmas number one 2023 as it fights for the festive top spot against other classics.
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