Chris Rea, 'Driving Home for Christmas' Singer, Dies at 74 After Pancreatic Cancer and Stroke Battles

Legendary British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, best known for the holiday classic “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died at the age of 74, his family announced. The Middlesbrough native, born to an Irish mother and Italian father, died peacefully in hospital after a short illness, surrounded by his wife Jo and two children. 

Rea's career spanned decades with 18 UK top 40 albums, blending rock, blues, and storytelling that made drives feel epic. Fans mourn the man who turned traffic jams into anthems. Beyond his success on stage and in studios, he battled serious health conditions, including pancreatic cancer and a stroke, which he lived with for many years.

Chris Rea's Cause of Death

According to his family and reports, Chris Rea’s death followed a short illness that came after a lifetime of health challenges. Rea had previously fought pancreatic cancer, a serious and often aggressive form of cancer, and had a major operation years ago that left lasting effects. While the family did not list a single cause in detail, their statement confirmed that his passing followed a short illness in the hospital.

BREAKING: Chris Rea, who wrote and sang one of the most famous festive songs in history, Driving Home for Christmas, has died just three days before Christmas, aged 74. pic.twitter.com/hz8vx2zHcT

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 22, 2025

A message from his family read: "It with immense [sadness] that we announce the death of beloved Chris. He passed in hospital today following short illness surrounded by his family." Social media echoed: "Chris's music has provided the soundtrack to countless lives, and his legacy will endure through the songs he leaves behind." Tributes poured in for the artist who helped his family's ice cream business before stardom.

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Chris Rea's Health Battles

Greatest christmas song ever.

RIP Chris Rea 🕊️ ❤️

pic.twitter.com/pOZxXWFMmv

— The Rock Revival (@TheRockRevival_) December 22, 2025

The singer fought pancreatic cancer since age 33 (diagnosed 1984), undergoing a Whipple procedure in 2001 that removed his pancreas head, duodenum parts, bile duct, and gallbladder, leaving him with type 1 diabetes, 34 daily pills, and seven injections.

In 2016, he also suffered a stroke, which affected his speech and arm movement. Both cancer and stroke are life-altering conditions that require long-term medical support and can impact multiple body systems, including heart and nervous system function. The stroke caused slurred speech and mobility loss; he collapsed onstage in 2017. Yet, Rea continued to make music and perform whenever he could.

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Conclusion

Chris Rea’s passing marks the loss of a beloved musician whose work brought joy to millions and whose life was shaped by resilience in the face of serious health challenges. His battles with pancreatic cancer and a stroke remind us of the strength it takes to create art while living with chronic illness. His legacy endures through the songs that became soundtracks to life’s many moments, from holiday roads to quiet reflections.