Fairytale of New York singer Shane MacGowan dies aged 65 after an eight-year health battle – and just three days after his wife shared wedding photo to celebrate five year anniversary

The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has passed away at the age of 65.

The legendary Irish rocker, who was behind the iconic Christmas song Fairytale of New York, died today after an eight-year battle with a brain disorder, his wife announced in an Instagram post.

Journalist Victoria Mary Clarke shared a black and white photo of MacGowan and said: ‘I don’t know how to say this so I’m just going to say it.

‘Shane who will always be the light that I hold before me and the benchmark 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 beginning and end of all that is dear to me is to live with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese.

“I am incredibly blessed to have met him and to have loved him and to have been loved so endlessly and unconditionally by him and to have had so many years of life and love and joy and fun and laughter and so many adventures.”

News of MacGowan’s death came just three days after Victoria shared a touching photo of the singer beaming in his hospital bed, alongside news that he has left St Vincent’s Hospital.

The 65-year-old singer was diagnosed with viral encephalitis – a life-threatening condition that leads to swelling of the brain – and has been in and out of hospital for months.

The news of his death was announced today by his wife in a post on Instagram (photo)

It came days after MacGowan (centre) returned home after being discharged from hospital amid a battle with a brain condition, with his wife Victoria sharing a photo of him in his hospital bed.

His wife Victoria Mary Clarke regularly posts updates about her husband’s well-being on social media

Shane, pictured with Victoria, had been hospitalized a number of times since diagnosis and was said to have been readmitted in June.

Victoria told fans on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Shane got out of hospital!”

Victoria told fans on X, formerly known as Twitter: ‘Shane got out of hospital!

‘We are deeply and eternally grateful to all the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Vincent’s, it’s the best!

‘And special thanks to Tom Creagh and Brian Corscadden for your help.’

Shane has been hospitalized a number of times since being diagnosed and was reported to have been readmitted in June.

The family hoped Shane would be able to return home over the holidays.

This week the star was very happy with a visit from singer Imelda May.

Victoria shared a photo of the two’s reunion and thanked Imelda for the visit, saying: ‘Shane is so happy to see Imelda!!’

Shane hosted a slew of A-list visitors during his hospitalization, including country singer Daniel O’Donnell and Primal Scream legend Bobby Gillsepie.

The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan was ‘so happy’ after a hospital visit from iconic singer Imelda May

Shane’s wife Victoria said she was desperate for him to come home for Christmas

Victoria recently shared an important health update about the hospitalized star.

The rocker left fans shocked when Victoria shared a photo showing the extent of his ill health.

In a newer post, the hitmaker was seen smiling, captioning it, “Shane is feeling much better today! I’m so grateful to everyone who is willing to come home for Christmas!’

While Shane was the lead singer of the iconic Irish folk band, Spider, real name Peter Richard Spider Stacy, played the tin flute and Terry Woods the guitar and mandolin.

All three performed in the group during the height of their success in the late ’80s and early ’90s before reuniting in 2001 with their last performance together in 2014.

Shane’s wife took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to thank the musician for visiting, alongside a photo of her husband now using a breathing apparatus as he continues to battle the dangerous condition.

She wrote: ‘Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who messaged me and @ShaneMacGowan, and thank you to @spiderstacy and Terry Woods for joining him.

“Love and prayers to everyone who is going through a hard time right now. Hold on’.