‘Dad was pure love’
Singer Imelda May pays tribute as father Tony dies aged 91
SINGER Imelda May has penned an emotional tribute to her father who died at the weekend at the age of 91.
She had previously reported Tony Clabby had been in good spirits following his admission to hospital in October.
In an Instagram post, 49-year-old May confirmed he had passed away.
She wrote: “Our dearest father Tony Clabby has passed away on this fine day, the 12th day of Christmas, Nollaig na mban, Little Christmas, the Epiphany, and the day of the Kings.
“After three sacred days of gathering, holding, laughing, accepting, harmonising and loving he passed gently.
“We are heartbroken but truly grateful. More than anyone I’ve ever met, dad was pure love. As he said himself only hours ago, he’s had a great time, it’s time to go easy, it’s time to go to Madge. And true love lives forever.”
The singer’s mother Madge died in November 2021 at the age of 94.
Imelda also thanked the staff at St James’s Hospital.
She was inundated with messages of support from her Instagram followers and friends from TV. Eamonn Holmes wrote: “Sincere condolences Imelda.”
Lucy Kennedy added: “I’m so sorry for your loss Imelda.”
Dermot O’leary said: “So sorry Imelda, all the love, candles lit, flags at half mast.”
Former Boyzone singer Keith Duffy wrote: “What an incredible character your daddy was. His poetry, love, knowledge, charm and kind smile will most definitely live on in you. Back with the love of his life.”
Imelda has previously spoken about her close bond with her father, who she described as “a brilliant singer”.
She said: “Unfortunately he only knows one song that he’s been singing for 60 years. Funnily enough it’s called Forever and Ever.”
Tony had also spoken of his pride in his daughter’s success. He said: “It’s most strange to us because we could never have imagined this would happen.
“She has worked so hard but also she has a great mind to do what she wants. She refused to join Universal because they wanted her to sing covers so she went on Jools
Holland show.”
As he said himself, he’s had a great time, it’s time to go to Madge
IMELDA MAY INSTAGRAM YESTERDAY