Roger Whittaker, Singer of 'The Last Farewell,' Dead at 87
Roger Whittaker, a folk singer best known for songs like "The Last Farewell," "New World in the Morning" and "Durham Town," has died. He was 87.
The news was announced this week in a joint statement from Whittaker's family and Sony Music, which was posted on the musician's official website on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
The statement revealed that Whittaker actually passed away a week prior on Wednesday, Sept. 13, though no information regarding a cause of death was revealed.
"It is with great sadness that we share that our beloved Roger Whittaker passed away on the 13th," the statement read. "September 2023 he left us in peace in the presence of his family."
“During this difficult time we would like to thank everyone for their support and compassion," the Whittaker family and Sony music continued in the post, while calling the late singer "an iconic artist" and "a wonderful husband and father."
Whittaker is survived by his wife of 59 years, Natalie, as well as their five children: Alexander, Emily, Guy, Jessica and Lauren.
Throughout his career, Whittaker was most well-known for his song "The Last Farewell," which went on to become a Top 20 hit in 1975, according to a biography on his website.
"He touched so many hearts with his music during his lifetime and will always live on in our memories," the post announcing his death stated.
While coping with his death, "the family requests privacy as we go through this time of grief and we thank you for your understanding."
"Roger will be greatly missed, his legacy will forever live on in our hearts and in his art," the message concluded.
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