Singer Chris Rea, known for his festive hit "Driving Home For Christmas," has reportedly left approximately £12 million to his wife, Joan, and their family. The musician's final will, signed in October, two months prior to his death last December, details an estate valued at £14,435,894. After taxes, debts, and costs, the net value was reduced to £12,063,178.
In addition to the significant financial sum, Joan Rea will also inherit all future royalties from her late husband's music catalog and his personal belongings. The will also stipulated Rea's wish to be cremated.
Rea passed away on December 22 at the age of 74, following a short illness. A statement released by his wife and daughters, Josie and Julia, announced his peaceful passing in hospital surrounded by family.
The Middlesbrough-born artist's iconic Christmas song has achieved perennial success, reappearing on the UK Singles Chart annually since 2007 and reaching number 10 in 2021. The song was originally released as a B-side in 1986 but was re-recorded and featured on his 1988 album "New Light Through Old Windows." Rea had previously admitted he was reluctant to release the track, stating that his record company persuaded him to.
Rea met his wife Joan when he was 16. His career began in his 20s after learning guitar and joining local bands, eventually securing a solo record deal. His debut album, "Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?," was released in 1978, featuring the US hit "Fool (If You Think It's Over)," which earned him a Grammy nomination for best new artist. While he continued to release albums, "Dancing with Strangers" in 1987 marked his first major hit in the UK, followed by "The Road to Hell" in 1989, which included a prominent two-part track of the same name.
Throughout his life, Rea faced significant health challenges, including peritonitis, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes. In 2017, it was reported that he required daily insulin injections seven times a day.