Declan Donnelly said he is 'beyond devastated' and 'heartbroken' following the death of his brother. Father Dermott Donnelly, who was a Catholic priest, died peacefully in hospital on Friday afternoon, aged 55.
The diocese of Hexham and Newcastle announced the news on Friday that Father Dermott had died peacefully in hospital that afternoon following a short illness.
Confirming the news, TV presenter Dec, 46, wrote on Twitter: “I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon. We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated.”
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In a statement to the PA news agency, a spokesperson for Donnelly said: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly who died peacefully this afternoon in hospital surrounded by his family and close friends. We ask for the utmost privacy for the Donnelly family at this difficult time.”
A statement shared by the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle said: “It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly who died peacefully this afternoon in hospital. This has come as a great shock to all of us.
“Please pray for the repose of his soul and keep his family, especially his mother, in your prayers at this difficult time.”
Father Dermott, who is eight years older than Dec, is understood to have been a priest for 30 years. He officiated at the wedding of Dec to Ali Astall in Newcastle in a star-studded ceremony in 2015.
Dec is one of seven children, and was raised on Newcastle's Cruddas Park estate with three brothers - Martin, Eamonn and Dermott - and three sisters - Camelia, Patricia and Moira, the Mirror reports. Father Dermott took Holy Orders in 1992 in the same cathedral he officiated at his brother's wedding.
Speaking about is relationship with his brother, Dermott previously said: I don’t advertise that I’m Dec’s brother, but the kids always seem to know. It bridges the gap between me and them."
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