The Welsh crooner recently cancelled his April 15 appearance at the du Forum due to family illness.

In sad news, Sir Tom Jones’ wife Lady Melinda Rose Woodward died Sunday, explaining why the legendary singer had to cancel his appearance in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

According to a statement released to the press, Linda died after a “short but fierce battle with cancer.”

The sad news comes after Sir Tom cancelled a number of gigs in Abu Dhabi, Japan, Thailand, South Korea and the Philippines.

*More: Tom Jones cancels Abu Dhabi gig*

At the time his management came out with a statement saying, “Due to serious illness in his immediate family, Tom Jones regretfully has to cancel his performance at the du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi scheduled for Friday 15th April.

“He extends his deepest apologies to both the fans and the organisers, who he is most sad to disappoint. There are no further details at this time.”

Lady Linda, as she was called, was said to have been surrounded by her husband and loved ones when she died at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles yesterday.

The couple, who were childhood sweethearts, had been married for 59 years. They have one son.

The singer and his family “have asked for privacy at this difficult time.”