Agony for Vinnie Jones as his wife of 25 years dies after cancer fight
VINNIE Jones’s wife of 25 years has died, six years after he revealed they were both battling skin cancer.
Tanya Jones, 53, passed away at home in Los Angeles with the actor by her side.
In 2013, ex-footballer Jones told how he and his wife had been diagnosed with melanoma – a dangerous form of skin tumour.
Mrs Jones had already been treated for cervical cancer twice, and underwent an emergency heart transplant at 21. Her latest diagnosis may have been the result of side effects from drugs she took after the transplant, her husband said at the time.
Jones, a recovering alcoholic, had blamed his own outdoor lifestyle and move to California to further his film career for contracting melanoma – which kills about 2,000 people every year in the UK. After three operations, he was given the all-clear last year.
Jones, 54, was due to appear on Celebrity X Factor this autumn, but is now expected to pull out following his wife’s death on Saturday. A statement issued by his management said: ‘Tanya Jones passed peacefully at home surrounded by Vinnie, their daughter and other family members. Vinnie and the family ask for privacy during this devastating time.’
The couple married in 1994 and have a son, Aaron, 28. Mrs Jones is also survived by Kaley, her daughter with ex-husband Steve Terry.
Gary Lineker wrote online: ‘How terribly sad. Condolences to Vinnie Jones and family.’ Piers Morgan tweeted: ‘Desperately sad news. She was a delightful woman and truly courageous fighter.’ Jones described his wife in an interview two years ago as ‘the most incredible person’, adding: ‘I think we’re the perfect match and I was lucky to find it.’
When the couple were diagnosed in 2013, the Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star said: ‘When it comes to things like this, women are stronger. Suddenly I’ve gone from the one helping her to the one that needs support. I take my strength from Tanya. She believes her life was saved to save me, and in return I feel it is my role to look after her.’
Jones became known for his tough-tackling style at AFC Wimbledon as part of the so- called ‘Crazy Gang’. He went on to play for Chelsea and Leeds United before turning to acting.