Northern Irish singer Clodagh Rodgers, who represented the UK in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest with her for her hit song 'Jack In The Box', has passed away at the age of 78
Rodgers, also celebrated for classics such as Come Back and Shake Me and Lady Love Bug, died on Friday following a brief illness.
Her son Sam Sorbie shared the heart-breaking news in a Facebook post today, penning: "With a heavy heart, my dear beautiful mum Clodagh has sadly passed away after battling an illness for the last three years. She passed away peacefully yesterday surrounded by her family in Cobham."
He continued: "Mum has lived an incredible life, full of love and happiness. Her fantastic career performing, traveling the world, devoting her life to her two sons and being the rock of this family. Life will not be the same without Mum, but she will finally be at peace now with dad, nanny and pappa. We all love and miss her terribly."
Clodagh leaves behind her two children, Sam and Matt. She was twice married, first to her manager John, and then to bass player Ian Sorbie, who passed away in 1995.
She achieved fourth place in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest held in Dublin, scoring 98 points, while the winning entry from Monaco earned 128 points with their song Un banc, un arbre, une rue (A bench, a tree, a street), performed by Séverine.
The beloved songstress, known for her chart-toppers 'Come Back' and 'Shake Me', as well as her dazzling appearance in Eurovision, gained further fame with her regular appearances on 'It's Cliff Richard'.
Starting January 1971, Clodagh graced BBC One’s prime-time variety show hosted by the legendary Cliff Richard, delivering a performance of one shortlisted tune each week over a six-week stint.
Devoted fans have been sharing heartfelt tributes to the singer. A touched fan expressed in the comments: "All our condolences Sam and sincere thanks for informing us here in such a personal and timely way at this time of great personal bereavement. It means more than I can say to those many of us who loved your wonderful mum from afar."
Another admirer shared: "Very sad to hear that Sam. She brought so much joy to so many people. Sending love and light to you and the rest of the family at this sad time."
Additionally, a third shared their respects: "So sorry to hear this Sam. Those of us on here realise what a special lady she was. A great talent and lovely person. Much underrated."
The passing of Clodagh has moved others to share their memories, with a tweet from a follower saying: "Very sad news indeed. I remember her from the Clodagh Rodgers Shows and of course from Eurovision. Lovely lady, lovely voice. May Clodagh rest in peace."
Echoing the sentiment, another fan declared they'd be honouring her legacy with her music: "Playing 'Jack in a Box' all day in memoriam of Clodagh Rodgers."
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