Michael Flatley has announced the death of his wife, Niamh, in a heartfelt social media post. The Lord of the Dance took to Instagram to share that his 'heart is broken', alongside a photograph of the couple on their wedding day and a picture with their son, Michael Junior.
Emotional tribute to 'beautiful wife'
In the moving caption, Michael wrote: "My heart is broken. I have lost my beautiful wife, Niamh, and my best friend. My gorgeous bride of twenty years has gone to the Lord in Heaven."
He added: "She was the most loving mother, wife and person, and our lives will never be the same without her. Thank you for all the love and kindness you have shown us. Please keep Niamh, Michael St James, and out family in your thoughts and prayers. Michael."
Illness and final hours
According to a report published today in The Irish Independent, Niamh was said to be "hours away" from boarding a flight to receive specialist treatment in America at the time of her death. She had been battling ill health in recent years, with reports indicating that Michael spent "every waking hour" caring for Niamh.
Dancing career and meeting Michael
Niamh began dancing at just three years of age and went on to perform with Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Fleet of Flames and Celtic Tiger. She first encountered Michael on the set of Riverdance, before taking her place in the Riverdance line-up during their iconic performance at the Eurovision interval in 1994.
