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Sir Tom Jones, 85, shares devastating dying wish wife made for him after 59-year marriage

The Voice family surprise Sir Tom Jones on his birthday

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Eliana Silver

By Eliana Silver


Published: 08/06/2025

- 09:18

In an emotional admission, the singer revealed how close he came to giving up performing altogether after the death of his wife

Sir Tom Jones has shared the poignant final words spoken to him by his late wife, Melinda “Linda” Trenchard, before she died from cancer.

The legendary singer, who recently celebrated his 85th birthday, was by Linda’s side during her final days in hospital, bringing to a close their remarkable 59-year marriage, which began in 1957 and ended with her death in 2016.

Speaking on BBC’s Sounds of the 60s with Tony Blackburn, Jones reflected on the emotional days they spent together and the powerful advice Linda gave him in her final moments.

He said: "When my wife knew that she had terminal cancer, I was with her for the last 10 days in hospital in the room with her.

Sir Tom and Melinda

Sir Tom Jones reflected on the emotional days they spent together and the powerful advice Linda gave him in her final moments

GETTY

“She said, 'Look I gotta leave, but you don't fall with me. I'm going down, I know, there's nothing I can do about it but don't you do that.'"

Her words, he explained, became a lasting source of strength. "She told me, 'Don't you fall with me, you've got to keep going, you've got to get on stage. You've still got songs to sing and think of me when you do it.'"

The 85-year-old also spoke about Linda’s enduring influence on his life and career, describing how her humour and spirit continue to uplift him. "

“She loved jokes and I used to make her laugh a lot so. Now, she gives me strength as when she passed away I thought I was gonna crumble."

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Sir Tom Jones

In an emotional admission, the singer revealed how close he came to giving up performing altogether

 PA

In an emotional admission, the singer revealed how close he came to giving up performing altogether.

He said: "I almost packed it in. I didn't think I could sing anymore because you can't get too emotional when you sing because your voice won't come out."

Now, he shares the lessons Linda taught him with younger performers, especially about managing deep emotion on stage.

"This is what I say to singers now, you take the emotion and then you work it into the song, get it through, but don't get too involved with it because then you'll cry and you won't be able to sing."

Sir Tom Jones

In addition to his radio appearance, Jones is also set to feature in the BBC Arts special In My Own Words

 PA

To mark his 85th birthday, Jones took to Instagram with a special announcement: "I'm celebrating my 85th birthday this Saturday! and am thrilled to be sharing a very special concert performance - 'Live on Soundstage 2017' for the first time on my YouTube channel."

In addition to his radio appearance, the singer is also set to feature in the BBC Arts special In My Own Words..

Reflecting on the experience, he said: "Taking the time to look back at some of the extraordinary things that have happened in my life for In My Own Words has been really enjoyable and thought-provoking.

“Some of the archive I'd not seen before, and watching snippets of those past times, places, styles, and struggles brought home how lucky I am.

“Being able to spend the day in the first house I ever owned brought back so many memories... I hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as I did making it!"

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