The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, perhaps best known for his 1987 Christmas hit Fairytale of New York, has died aged 65.
The singer-songwriter had been unwell for some time, and was recently admitted to hospital following an encephalitis diagnosis.
His wife Victoria Mary Clarke said on Instagram that MacGowan "meant the world to me". She wrote: "I don't know how to say this so I am just going to say it. Shane... has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese."
She said MacGowan "will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel and the sun and the moon and the start and end of everything that I hold dear".
A statement from MacGowan's spokesperson confirmed he "died peacefully at 3.30am this morning (30 November) with his wife and sister by his side".
"Shane MacGowan was in a class by himself. His extraordinary gift for music, zest for living and rebellious nature cemented him as an icon in Ireland and all around the world,” said Priscilla Kotey, SVP, Warner Music Ireland. “He will continue to influence artists everywhere. This Christmas season will feel much darker without his charismatic, illuminating presence. We have lost some true Irish legends this year, but we can feel proud that their amazing artistry transcended our isle, and that their incredible music will live on forever.”
Kevin Gore, president, global catalogue and arts music, Warner Music, added: “Warner Music has been blessed to work with Shane MacGowan for more than four decades. We are honoured to have helped share his passionate, ambitious music with the world. We will proudly celebrate his legacy for years to come.”