Tragic Loss: How Did Actress Vera Lynn Die?

Vera Lynn, born in East Ham on March 20, 1917, she began performing at the age of seven and gave up school aged 11 to start touring.

By the 1930s, she was a popular radio performer, and she released her first solo record in 1936. Known as "the Forces' Sweetheart," she gained immense popularity during World War Two as a singer, songwriter, and actress.

Dame Vera was most recognized for her 1939 hit "We'll Meet Again," which resonated deeply with troops stationed abroad and their families back home. During the early stages of the war, she was voted Britain's most popular singer. With courage, she toured the world to entertain troops, often at significant personal risk, as part of the Entertainments National Service Association

Dame Vera released a total of 22 original albums during her lifetime. Her first album, 'Sincerely Yours,' came out in 1949, and her last one, 'Vera Lynn Remembers,' was released in 1984. Her final album,
'Vera Lynn Remembers,' hit shelves on March 17, 2017, just three days before her 100th birthday.

Among her other best-known songs are "I'll Be Seeing You," "The White Cliffs of Dover," "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square," and "There'll Always Be An England. Films she has appeared in include: 'We'll Meet Again' (1943), 'Rhythm Serenade' (1943), 'One Exciting Night' (1944), and 'Meet Again' (2014). Once the war ended, Dame Vera decided to raise her daughter, Virginia, but she still remained popular.

She expressed gratitude for the continued appreciation of her music, saying, "It’s truly humbling that people still enjoy these songs from so many years ago, reliving the emotions of that time."

Vera was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1969 New Year Honours and later elevated to the rank of Dame Commander (DBE) in the 1975 Queen's Birthday Honours in recognition of her charitable efforts. In 2000, she received the prestigious honor of being named the Briton who best exemplified the spirit of the 20th century.

During her lifetime, Vera dedicated much of her time to charity work, supporting ex-servicemen, disabled children, and breast cancer charities. In 2002, the wartime singer founded the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, which offers support and education for families affected by cerebral palsy. For her service during World War II, she was awarded the British War Medal 1939-45 and the Burma Star.

Dame Vera Lynn, at the age of 103, passed away on June 18, 2020. While her exact cause of death is yet to be disclosed, her family released a statement expressing deep sadness over her loss

"The family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain's best-loved entertainers. Dame Vera Lynn, who resided in Ditchling, East Sussex, peacefully passed away earlier today, June 18, 2020, surrounded by her close family," her family said in a statement.