India, Dec. 22 -- Chris Rea, the legendary singer-songwriter behind the beloved Christmas classic Driving Home for Christmas, has passed away at the age of 74 following a "short illness" on December 22, 2025. Known for his distinctive voice and timeless festive hits, Rea's music has been a staple of the holiday season for decades.

Rea was born in March 1951 and grew up in Middlesbrough, raised by his Irish mother and Italian father. He was part of a large family, with two brothers and four sisters, as reported by The Sun. Rea built a remarkable career as a singer-songwriter, creating timeless hits that resonated with fans around the world.

As per the outlet, his wife Joan was there when the hitmaker wrote the Christmas classic Driving H...