Sir Terry Wogan’s wife of 50 years dies aged 77

Lady Helen Wogan, wife of popular TV presenter Sir Terry Wogan, has died aged 77.

The news was announced by their son, Mark, in an Instagram post, accompanied by a photo of the couple in their prime.

“Our beautiful mother left us last night after a fantastic life,” he wrote.

“From a young Irish girl to Lady Wogan, she was the epitome of style and grace. A mother, a grandmother and a wife, with love and kindness at heart.

“A strength and conviction that has seen her through many of life’s challenges. A sense of humor and a turn of phrase that would make you die laughing. A true lady in every sense of the word.”

He continued: “She and Dad are going to share a vodka martini and hope we don’t make too much of a fuss. We love you, Mom, now and forever.”

Jeremy Clarkson, Claudia Winkleman, Eamonn Holmes and Ronan Keating shared their condolences in the comments below the social media post.

Clarkson wrote: “It’s horrible when this happens. Thinking of you,” and Winkleman added: “I’m so sorry xxx.”

“Mark, I am so sorry to hear this. What a woman and what a couple. My sincere condolences,” Holmes wrote.

Keating added: “Sending you all my love, mate. God bless you all.”

Mark shared a montage of photos of his mother over the years, captioned: “So beautiful on the inside. Our mom 1936-2024.”

Model Helen Joyce remained married to Terry for decades, having first married in April 1965. According to church member Father D’Arcy, the couple’s wedding was a significant event for Dublin in the 1960s.

“It was the front page of the newspapers,” he told the The Irish Independent after Terry’s death. “It was the most beautiful celebrity wedding I had ever attended.”

The couple lived together in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, and remained together until Terry’s death in 2016, when the BBC personality died of cancer, aged 77. They shared four children together.

Wogan last hosted his show on BBC Radio 2 in December 2009, leaving hundreds of listeners disappointed that his iconic, comforting voice would no longer be broadcast every morning.

His death prompted tributes from statesmen including then Prime Minister David Cameron, as well as Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton, who recalled the presenter’s role in improving Anglo-Irish relations.