'She was a beautiful angel': Tributes pour in for singer Paul Young's wife who died aged 52 after losing a two-year battle with brain cancer

  • Stacey Young has died aged 52 following a private two-year fight against cancer 
  • Her singer husband Paul Young, 62, broke the tragic news in a statement today  
  • The mother-of-four passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family   

By Keiran Southern and Katie French For Mailonline

Published: 10:45 EST, 26 January 2018 | Updated: 21:17 EST, 26 January 2018

Figures from across the entertainment industry have paid tribute to the wife of Eighties singer Paul Young, who died following a two-year battle with brain cancer.  

Stacey Young passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her four children, her husband announced today.  

Paul confirmed the tragic news of his wife's death on Twitter and revealed for the past two years she had been fighting a private battle away from the public eye.

The 62-year-old pop veteran wrote: 'Sadly Stacey has passed away today after a two year fight with brain cancer.

'She died peacefully at our home surrounded by family, friends and her four children: Levi, Layla, Grady and Jude.' 

Tragic: The wife of singer Paul Young, Stacey, has died aged 52 following a two-year battle with brain cancer 

Tragic: The wife of singer Paul Young, Stacey, has died aged 52 following a two-year battle with brain cancer 

Paul, left, and his wife Stacey, with daughters Levi, Layla and son Grady. And then there is Jude, Stacey’s son from another relationship

Paul, left, and his wife Stacey, with daughters Levi, Layla and son Grady. And then there is Jude, Stacey's son from another relationship

The tragic news comes just days after Labour peer Dame Tessa Jowell announced she was receiving treatment for brain cancer.  

Condolences poured in across the entertainment industry with the founding member of Spandau Ballet describing Stacey as 'so down to earth' and Julian Clarey hailing her as 'so bright and so kind'. 

The popular mother of four had legions of friends across the music business from her time starring in videos during the Eighties. 

Music agent and concert promoter Tony Denton said Stacey was 'an amazing lady'.

In a tribute posted to Twitter, he said: '‏She was always full of energy and so much fun and happiness, I will truly miss you, RIP my dear friend.'

Meanwhile the former wife of Rolling Stones musician Ronnie Wood said she was 'so sad' to hear the news.

The pair are pictured here in 2014. Later that year, Paul said he was more in love with his wife than ever

The pair are pictured here in 2014. Later that year, Paul said he was more in love with his wife than ever

Paul and Stacey are pictured here at the 1996 Brit Awards. They had three children together

Paul and Stacey are pictured here at the 1996 Brit Awards. They had three children together

This afternoon, Paul Young confirmed his wife's death on Twitter. Stacey, 52, died surrounded by her family

This afternoon, Paul Young confirmed his wife's death on Twitter. Stacey, 52, died surrounded by her family

Posting online, Jo Wood wrote: 'My thoughts are with Paul. She was such a lovely woman.'   

And songwriter Ricky Wilde added: 'Gone way too soon. You’ll be missed lovely lady.'  

Patsy Palmer wrote to Paul directly on Twitter, describing his late wife as an 'angel'. Writing via Twitter, the former Eastenders star: 'Hey Paul. I am so sad for your loss. I loved Stacey she was a beautiful angel inside and out. You are all in my prayers.'

Paul Young shot to fame in the 1980s and had a string of chart hits

Paul Young shot to fame in the 1980s and had a string of chart hits

Friend Laura Turner said it was 'heartbreaking'. In a tribute published to Twitter, she said: 'To the beautiful, vibrant warm Stacey Young. I've just heard the awful news. I'm so sorry the world has lost such an magnanimous personality. You were always so lovely to me. Thinking about your family at this time.'

Stacey first met her pop singer husband on the set for the video to his 1983 hit Come Back and Stay.

They married and went on to have three children together, daughters Levi and Layla and son Grady. 

The pair split up in 2006. During the time they were separated, Stacey had her fourth child Jude with Israeli businessman Ilan Slazenger.

Touchingly the couple reunited in 2013 and Paul spoke passionately about the future of their family unit in 2014.

The pair managed to overcome many hurdles during their relationship, which spanned four decades.

Before they were married, Stacey had a brief fling with motorbike stuntman Eddie Kidd.   

But this did not put off the loved up couple from marriage as the pair wed a year later in 1987, after four years of dating. 

Paul and Stacey, pictured here in 2009 with their daughter Levi and Stacey's son, Jude. The couple endured difficulties in their marriage including a 2006 split but they reunited

Paul and Stacey, pictured here in 2009 with their daughter Levi and Stacey's son, Jude. The couple endured difficulties in their marriage including a 2006 split but they reunited

Young met Stacey on the video shoot for his second single Come Back and Stay in 1983. They are pictured here in 1998

Young met Stacey on the video shoot for his second single Come Back and Stay in 1983. They are pictured here in 1998

When they broke up in 2006, Paul moved out of the family home in Hadley Wood, Hertfordshire.

He tried dating other women but admitted he never managed to get over Stacey.

His heartache was alleviated when the couple reunited three years later.

In 2014, Paul described himself as being 'more in love' with Stacey than ever before.   

Pictured: Illan Slazenger who dated Stacey Young 

Pictured: Illan Slazenger who dated Stacey Young 

He said at the time: 'You have to work at marriage but it helps that I know we were meant to be together.

'I have known that since I met her. She is funny; she has a good sense of humour. She's a little bit wild, a little mad, but I love that about her. 

'And our children's friends love coming round to our house because we are not a conventional family.

'It was always important that things were as friendly as possible for the sake of the children. I don't think they got too upset by it all. It's been fine; none of them have had to go to therapy.' 

In 2016, Paul discussed splitting with his wife - but denied she had had an affair.

He said: 'When she said she wasn't happy she said she wasn't happy. So I knew and or we knew, and we discussed it and things went on from there.

'But to then constantly see it was an affair, it wasn't an affair.' 

Spandau Ballet founder Steve Norman offered his condolences on Twitter.

He said: 'So shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Stacey Young. 

'She was such a character and so down to earth. She featured in the Spandau video for Fight For Ourselves some years back. Sending love and best wishes to Paul, the children and family.'

After news of her death broke, fans rushed to pay tribute on social media.

Alana Ayres said: 'So very sad to hear that singer Paul Young's wife Stacey has died at age 52 from brain cancer... Terrible for him and their children godbless.'

David Perlmutter wrote: 'So sorry to hear the news of Paul Young's wife, Stacey, passing away. Thoughts with all the family and friends. RIP.'

John Miles Junior commented: 'So sorry mate , all our love and thoughts are with you xx.' 

The couple, pictured here in 2007, split in 2006 before getting back together again three years later

The couple, pictured here in 2007, split in 2006 before getting back together again three years later

This afternoon, Paul confirmed the news of his wife's passing on Twitter
Paul Young and wife Stacey, who has died aged 52

This afternoon, Paul confirmed the news of his wife's passing on Twitter

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