Folk singer Roger Whittaker, whose hits included "Durham Town" and "The Last Farewell," has died. He was 87.
The Telegraph confirmed in an obituary posted on its website that Whittaker died on Wednesday, September 13, and noted that he is survived by his wife Natalie and their five children.
Roger Whittaker's Cause of Death
The news outlet did not confirm his cause of death, but it noted that Whittaker suffered a heart attack in 2016 prior to his touring retirement in 2013.
Meanwhile, The Sun confirmed that the "New World In The Morning" crooner died from a stroke at his home in France and that a funeral would be held next week.
His family also plans to have a memorial service, with its schedule to be announced at a later date.
Whittaker's website has also changed its layout and uploaded a photo of the singer on its homepage alongside the text: "Roger Whittaker 1936-2023."
Below the picture is a "leave comments" tab where fans can write messages for the late musician, and some of them read:
"I'm so very sad, as is my son who is 21 years of age," one said. "I was raised listening to Roger's Christmas Album. In turn, I raised my son listening to the same. It would not be Christmas without hearing Roger's voice. RIP."
Another added, "RIP Roger. Such a talented artist and will be solely missed. Streets of London is one of my favourite Songs. You will always be on my playlist."
"New World in the Morning is one of my all time favourite songs. Thank you for sharing it with me and the world. Condolences to family and friends," one wrote.
Whittaker previously shared how he would like to be remembered after his death, saying that he wanted people to know him as someone who wrote pretty good songs that everyone would listen to over and over again.
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Roger Whittaker's Legacy
Prior to his career in the music industry, Whittaker studied medicine while singing in local clubs. After 18 months in his medical course, he left his studies to teach at the University of Bangor in Wales to get a teaching qualification while composing songs.
Throughout his decades worth of a career, the musician successfully sold nearly 50 million records and dropped hit songs like "Durham Town (The Leavin')," "The Last Farewell" and "New World in the Morning."
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