Chris Rea Gave Wife All Song Rights After Cancer Scare

Chris Rea, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, gifted his wife, Joan, the rights to his entire music catalog following a severe cancer diagnosis. This profound gesture of love, which occurred years ago, reportedly strengthened their bond as childhood sweethearts.

His iconic festive hit, "Driving Home for Christmas," released in 1986, continues to generate significant income, with an estimated £210,000 earned annually. This song alone contributed over £7 million to Rea's estimated £15 million fortune over 39 years. Rea faced numerous health battles, including pancreatic cancer, peritonitis, and diabetes, undergoing multiple surgeries throughout his career.

Rea, who passed away at 74 after a short illness, detailed in a 2020 interview how his cancer diagnosis prompted him to give everything to his wife. "I gave her all the money, all the rights to all the songs," he recalled, adding with a laugh that she now humorously refuses to return them. His final Instagram post featured a poignant image of a snowy motorway, reflecting his enduring connection to his most famous song.