Renowned Irish dancer Michael Flatley has announced the death of his wife, Niamh O'Brien.
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Flatley, 68, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Monday, October 5, saying ""my gorgeous bride of twenty years has gone to the Lord in Heaven."
O'Brien, 52, was also an accomplished dancer and performed the lead role of Saoirse in Lord of the Dance.
The couple shared a son, Michael St. James, who was born in 2007.
Michael Flatley's Wife Dies After Illness
A representative for Flatley said that O'Brien died at the Beacon Hospital in Dublin after an illness.
"The Flatley and O'Brien families are devastated by Niamh's sudden passing and have asked that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with this heartbreaking loss," said the representative.
"They express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Beacon Hospital who cared for Niamh over the past few weeks, and to everyone who has offered their kindness and support to the family."
Flatley described his late wife as "the most loving mother, wife and person" and said the family's lives "will never be the same without her."
He added that his "heart is broken" before thanking his followers for "all the love and kindness".
"Please keep Niamh, Michael St James, and our family in your thoughts and prayers," he concluded the post.
Flatley Previously Praised Wife's Support
Flatley and O'Brien married in 2006 at St. Patrick's Church in County Cork, Ireland. They had reportedly known each other for a decade before tying the knot.
Flatley faced his own health crisis in January 2023 when his team announced that doctors had diagnosed him with an aggressive form of cancer and that he had undergone surgery.
During an appearance on The Late Late Show in May 2024, he spoke about the support O'Brien provided throughout his recovery.
"I'm married to the greatest girl in the world who looks after me and believes in me and stood beside me," he said. "I can't explain the love that I have for my family."
Several Irish celebrities have paid tribute to O'Brien following her death.
"So incredibly sorry to hear this shocking news. All love to you and your lad. She was beauty inside and out," Irish actress Victoria Smurfit wrote.
Meanwhile, Boyzone and Boyzlife star Keith Duffy said: "My prayers are with you Michael and for the safe passage for Niamh's journey to her place in heaven."
