Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley announced his wife Niamh O’Brien’s death at age 52.
“My heart is broken. I have lost my beautiful wife, Niamh, and my best friend. My gorgeous bride of twenty years has gone to the Lord in Heaven,” Flatley, 68, wrote via Instagram on Monday, October 5. “She was the most loving mother, wife and person, and our lives will never be the same without her.”
The choreographer continued, “Thank you for all the love and kindness you have shown us. Please keep Niamh, Michael St James, and our family in your thoughts and prayers.”
He signed the post, “Michael ❤️.”
Alongside the message, Flatley shared several photos of O’Brien through the years. Flatley and O’Brien tied the knot in 2006 at St. Patrick’s Church in County Cork, Ireland. The pair welcomed their son, Michael St. James, one year later.
Three years prior to O’Brien’s death, she supported her husband during his health battle. Flatley’s team announced in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive form of cancer.”
“Dear friends, we have something personal to share, Michael Flatley has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer,” a post to Flatley’s Instagram read at the time. “He has undergone surgery and is in the care of an excellent team of doctors. No further comments will be made at this time. We ask only for your prayers and well wishes. Thank you. 🙏🏻 Teamlord.”
Flatley received messages of support from fans at the time, one of whom wrote in the comments section, “Sending prayers and love. You’re talent the surpassed by no one. I could have watched you for hours. So happy that I was blessed to be able to see you four times!!”
Another user added, “Oh no! I was just watching Lord of the Dance with Michael 100th over the years and wondered what he was doing. I am so sorry to hear of this trial he is going through. I am praying and sending all my positive vibes his way. Bless him. ❤️🙏❤️.”
One year later, Flatley spoke candidly about his recovery while appearing on The Late Late Show.
“I’m married to the greatest girl in the world who looks after me and believes in me and stood beside me,” he said in May 2024. “I can’t explain the love that I have for my family.”
