"My heart is broken": Michael Flatley's wife Niamh O'Brien dies in Dublin, Ireland, at 52

Michael Flatley's wife, Niamh O'Brien, has died in Dublin, Ireland, aged 52, with Flatley saying: "My heart is broken." O'Brien, a former lead performer in Lord of the Dance, was married to Riverdance star Flatley since 2006.

Flatley announced the sad news via an Instagram post, which included several pictures of his wife as well as a picture of them with their son, Michael St James Flatley, who was born in 2007.

He captioned the post: "My heart is broken. I have lost my beautiful wife, Niamh, and my best friend. My gorgeous bride of twenty years has gone to the Lord in Heaven.

"She was the most loving mother, wife and person, and our lives will never be the same without her.

"Thank you for all the love and kindness you have shown us. Please keep Niamh, Michael St James, and our family in your thoughts and prayers. Michael."

Per an RTÉ report, a representative of Flatley's said that O'Brien died peacefully at Dublin's Beacon Hospital following 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's fans and fellow celebrities took to the comment section of his post to share their condolences, with Andrea McLean saying: "I’m so sorry to hear this, Michael."

Victoria Smurfit said: "No! Michael, am so incredibly sorry to hear this shocking news. All love to you and your lad. She was a beauty inside and out."

Boyzone's Keith Duffy wrote: "My prayers are with you Michael and for the safe passage for Niamh’s journey to her place in heaven."

"I’m so so sorry to hear this terrible news. Sending deepest condolences," said Angela Scanlon, while Drag Race star Michelle Visage wrote: "I’m so very sorry for this massive loss for you and your family."

Reporter, Digital Spy

Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy. 

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