Chris Rea, a musician behind the iconic holiday hit “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died, his family said. He was 74. According to a statement, he died in the hospital on Monday after a short illness.

Chris Rea, the British blues-rock singer known for the holiday classic "Driving Home for Christmas," has died at age 74.

Chris Rea died on December 22, 2025 - but he's not the only Christmas singer to sadly pass away during the holidays.

Chris Rea found fame in the 1980s in Britain with hits such as "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" and "Let's Dance."

Chris Rea, the singer and songwriter best known for the hit “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died at 74, his family said Monday. Rea died in the hospital following a short illness, according to a statement from his family to Britain’s Press Association news agency.