Boy George ‘devastated’ by death of his beloved mother

Music legend Boy George has been “devastated” by a family bereavement, and has asked for privacy to deal with the “heartbreaking loss”.

Boy George is devastated after the death of his mother, Dinah O’Dowd.

Boy George’s mum Dinah O’Dowd has died, aged 84.

The Culture Club singer’s representatives confirmed the sad news, revealing that he is “devastated” by the loss.

She died on Monday surrounded by her family. They have asked for privacy at this time, The Sun reports.

In a statement on Culture Club’s Instagram, manager Paul Kemsley wrote: “I am very sad to confirm the news of the passing of Boy George’s beloved mother Dinah.

Boy George is ‘devastated’ by the loss of his mother.

“George is devastated as are the family. They were all by her bedside when she passed and George was holding her hand.

“He wants me to extend his deep gratitude to the huge outpouring of love and support he is receiving, and while he can’t respond, he feels grateful and the messages help,” he said.

Dinah, seen here with her son in 2011, has been remembered as an “incredible, beautiful, strong woman.” Picture: Dave M. Benett/Getty

“George and his family would politely now request some privacy to be able to grieve and come to terms with their heartbreaking loss.”

Tributes have now poured in for Ms O’Dowd, with Boy George’s friend DJ Fat Tony remembering her as “an incredible, beautiful, strong woman”.

He wrote on Instagram: “God bless you, you amazing woman Dinah,

“My heart goes out to @boygeorgeofficial and the entire O’Dowd family. What an incredible, beautiful, strong woman. We will miss you x.”

In April 2020, the Karma Chameleon singer revealed his mum had undergone surgery for “heart and lung problems”.

She returned home after two days in hospital.

Mother and son in 1987. Picture: Alan Davidson/Shutterstock

The pop star had a close relationship with his mum, who raised him alone after his dad walked out on the family following a difficult marriage.

Speaking to Piers Morgan’s Life Stories in 2017, the singer recalled: “My dad was quite an extreme man.

“[He] could lose his temper and chuck the entire Sunday dinner over and everybody went hungry.

“It wasn’t until I got to about 15 or 16 that I realised how strong my mum was.”

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission