Singer Tom Jones’ wife of 59 years, Melinda Rose Woodward, has died from cancer, his publicist says.

She died on Sunday, surrounded by her husband and loved ones, after a “short but fierce” battle with cancer, a statement said.

“Sir Tom and his family have asked for privacy at this difficult time and no further information is currently available,” the statement from entertainment company Live Nation said.

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Known as Linda, she died at the Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles.

Jones, 75, recently cancelled a number of his tour dates in Japan, Thailand, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

A statement said it was due to “serious illness in his immediate family”.

“He extends his deepest apologies to both the organisers and the fans, who he is most sad to disappoint,” it continued.

The former Voice coach and Lady Linda, as she was nicknamed, had been married since 1957, and have one son, Mark.

The couple were married for 59 years. Photo: PA