Michael Flatley has announced the death of his wife, Niamh, aged 52, in a poignant social media message. The Lord of the Dance star posted on Instagram that his 'heart is broken', alongside a photograph from their wedding day and an image with their son, Michael Junior.
'My heart is broken'
In the moving tribute, 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 continued: "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 our family in your thoughts and prayers. Michael."
Health battle and final hours
The Irish Independent reported that Niamh was just "hours away" from boarding a flight to receive specialist medical care in America when she died. She had been battling health issues in recent times, with sources suggesting Michael devoted "every waking hour" to caring for Niamh, according to The Mirror.
Dancing career and legacy
Niamh began her dancing journey at the age of three and went on to become a professional performer with Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Fleet of Flames and Celtic Tiger. She first met Michael while working on Riverdance, before taking part in the troupe's iconic Eurovision interval performance in 1994.
