Tributes have poured in for
Singer Dame Vera Lynn, following her death at the age of 103.
Figures from across the world of entertainment and politics have paid their respects to the singer, who was widely known as the Forces’ Sweetheart, having entertained troops during the Second World War.
Veteran Captain Tom Moore, who raised over £37 million for the NHS with his fundraising efforts earlier this year, helped lead the tributes.In a tweet, he said Dame Vera had made a “huge impact on me in Burma and remained important to me throughout my life”.A message from Tom. ‘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’— Captain Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) June 18, 2020Many other famous names including Piers Morgan, Katherine Jenkins, Myleene Klass and Aled Jones shared words remembering Dame Vera on Twitter...Oh no.... what terribly sad news.Dame Vera Lynn has died, aged 103. A magnificent woman who rallied our country when we most needed it. The Forces sweetheart.The Nation's sweetheart. RIP. pic.twitter.com/cqSCQoLUOU— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 18, 2020Dame Vera Lynn ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Pr4dFX4OA8— Katherine Jenkins (@KathJenkins) June 18, 2020Her voice and the hope she spread will never be forgotten but her humour,well, she was adorable.We once sat together at an event and she made me a deal, I’d go up and get the sausage rolls while she watched my handbag ‘as you can never be too careful Myleene’. RIP Dame Vera Lynn— Myleene Klass (@KlassMyleene) June 18, 2020Sending 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! #wellmeetagain— Aled Jones (@realaled) June 18, 2020Rest in peace Dame Vera Lynn. Truly a national treasure, and this is such sad news to hear, especially at this time when her iconic song and spirit touched the nation. It was a real pleasure to sing with her - an honour I will treasure forever. pic.twitter.com/FGxSedkSH5— Alfie Boe OBE (@AlfieBoe) June 18, 2020The bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover and the nightingales in Berkeley Square are singing you to your final rest, Dame Vera – quite a life, sleep well...— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) June 18, 2020'She had a natural dignity but she was never too grand. She was a very remarkable human being.'Dame Vera Lynn, known as the Forces' Sweetheart, has passed away aged 103 and Dame Esther Rantzen shares her memories of the singer.Read more 👉 https://t.co/t9ISFh586y#ThisMorningpic.twitter.com/GxwNJzpzK9— This Morning (@thismorning) June 18, 2020So very upset to hear the sad news of #DameVeraLynn ...The forces’s sweetheart, whose voice raised the moral of our nation’s troops during World War II and beyond. There will definitely be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover today, remembering this great lady. RIP Dame Vera pic.twitter.com/muLRgCG2g6— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) June 18, 2020Dame Vera Lynn, the Forces’ Sweetheart, has died at the age of 103A tireless campaigner who helped boost the nation’s morale during the Second World War she was loved by millionsThe sad news was confirmed by her family (via @PA)#RIPDameVera#ForcesSweetheart#WellMeetAgainpic.twitter.com/A2I9KJ0uwF— lizo mzimba (@lizo_mzimba) June 18, 2020I 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.#DameVeraLynnpic.twitter.com/WzrCyAISra— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) June 18, 2020The incomparable Dame Vera Lynn has left us. Her talent was so very rare and special, her service to this country an inspiration to us all and we shall never see her like again. Thank you, God bless you and rest in peace #dameveralynn— Michael Ball OBE (@mrmichaelball) June 18, 2020What a life! What a legacy. RIP Dame Vera— Rhydian Roberts (@RhydianMusic) June 18, 2020Entertainer Dame Vera Lynn has died at the age of 103, her morale boosting songs were legendary during WW2, a beautiful person who will be sadly missed by all her knew her, sending my deepest condolences to Dame Vera Lynn’s family and
Friends pic.twitter.com/2oqipyMbHK— 🌈 Angela Rayner 🌈 (@AngelaRayner) June 18, 2020I was so sad to hear that Dame Vera Lynn had passed away. She was an inspiration, spreading so much joy with her wonderful music. #RIPVeraLynn#wellmeetagain#ForcesSweetheart— Jane McDonald (@TheJaneMcDonald) June 18, 2020Prime minister
Boris Johnson was also among those who shared a tribute on
Twitter, saying Dame Vera’s “voice will live on to lift the hearts of generations to come”.Dame Vera Lynn’s charm and magical voice entranced and uplifted our country in some of our darkest hours. Her voice will live on to lift the hearts of generations to come.— Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) June 18, 2020The Royal
British Legion called her an “unforgettable British icon, symbol of hope to the Armed Forces Community past and present”. We are incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Dame Vera Lynn, an unforgettable British icon, symbol of hope to the Armed Forces Community past and present, and much loved longstanding Legion supporter. Our thoughts are with her loved ones. pic.twitter.com/lFrfQPwKbr— Royal British Legion (@PoppyLegion) June 18, 2020In a BBC statement, director general Tony Hall said: “What sad news. Not only was she dear to many, she was a symbol of hope during the war and is a part of our national story. She appeared on the BBC many times and had her own variety show in the 1960s and early 70s.“She demonstrated how
music and entertainment can bring joy in the most challenging times. Something that will resonate with many people today. The BBC will be showing a special tribute programme tonight.”
Dame Vera’s family said in a statement they were “deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103” on Thursday.
They added: “Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family.
“Further information regarding a memorial service will be announced at a later date.”Dame Vera was known for songs including The White Cliffs Of Dover, There’ll Always Be An
England, I’ll Be Seeing You, Wishing and If Only I Had Wings, which she sang to help raise British spirits during the Blitz.
She performed for troops on the front-line during the war, often at great personal risk, in countries including
Egypt,
India and Burma.
Dame Vera also encouraged the British public to “rediscover that same spirit that saw us through the war” amid the coronavirus pandemic, in a special message before she turned 103 in March.
The
Queen recently referenced the title of one of Dame Vera’s most beloved wartime songs when she told the country, separated from families and friends during the
Coronavirus lockdown: “We will meet again.”