Chris Rea, the renowned singer and songwriter famous for his classic hit “Driving Home for Christmas,” has passed away at the age of 74, as confirmed by his family on Monday.

According to a statement released by Rea’s family to Britain’s Press Association, he died in the hospital following a brief illness.

Rea rose to fame in the 1980s in the UK with popular tracks like “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” and “Let’s Dance.”

His albums “The Road to Hell” from 1989 and “Auberge” from 1991 both secured the top spot on the UK charts.

Initially released in 1986, “Driving Home for Christmas” didn’t achieve instant success, but over the years, it has become a beloved holiday staple in the UK. It was even featured in a Marks and Spencer TV advertisement this year.

Born in 1951 in Middlesbrough, located in northeast England, Rea was the son of an Italian father and an Irish mother. After leaving school, he worked in various jobs and contributed to his family’s ice cream business.

He came late to the guitar, picking one up at 21, and played in bands before going solo.

He had suffered from health problems including pancreatic cancer, and in 2016 he suffered a stroke. In more recent years he turned away from pop and released several bluesy records.

Rea is survived by his wife and two daughters.