Dame Vera Lynn dies in Sussex aged 103

The news has been confirmed by long-time family friend Susan Fleet.

Dame Vera, who lived in Ditchling, boosted the nation’s morale during the darkest days of World War Two.

She provided hope and reassurance for Allied troops and families.

She was also honoured countless times in her lifetime for her services to entertainment and charity.

A statement from her family today said: “The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103.

“Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family.”

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In May, Dame Vera Lynn became the oldest artist to score a top 40 album in the UK, the Official Charts Company said.

The 103-year-old saw her greatest hits album 100 re-enter the chart at number 30, boosted by last week’s commemoration of the 75th anniversary of VE day.

When originally released in 2017, the collection made Dame Vera the first centenarian to chart, according to the Official Charts Company.

Boris Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds tweeted that Dame Vera's death was "very sad", adding: "Will be playing her music here today. RIP."

The Queen referenced the title of one of Dame Vera's most beloved wartime songs when she told the country, separated from families and friends during the coronavirus lockdown: "We will meet again."

She was also fondly remembered for singing The White Cliffs Of Dover, There'll Always Be An England, I'll Be Seeing You, Wishing and If Only I Had Wings, to help raise British spirits during the Blitz.

"My songs reminded the boys of what they were really fighting for," she once said.

"Precious, personal things, rather than ideologies and theories."

Dame Vera later had her own television show and toured the world.

She remained an outspoken supporter of military veterans throughout her life.

In May, she urged the nation to "remember the brave boys and what they sacrificed for us".

>> SEE ALSO: Dame Vera Lynn: The Forces sweetheart who stirred hearts of millions

She added: "They left their families and homes to fight for our freedom and many lost their lives trying to protect us and our liberties."

She also encouraged the British public to "rediscover that same spirit that saw us through the war" amid the coronavirus pandemic, in a special message before she turned 103 in March.

Dame Vera was born in East Ham, east London, on March 20, 1917.

She performed for troops during the war, often at great personal risk, in countries including Egypt, India and Burma.