Sir Tom Jones thanks fans for their 'sympathy and support' after his wife's death

Tom Jones with his wife Linda in 1970 Credit: PA

Sir Tom Jones has thanked fans for their "sympathy and support" after the the death of his wife Linda.

The singer posted a message on his Twitter account telling fans their words had lifted the family's spirits.

Lady Melinda Rose Woodward passed away on the 10th April after a "short but fierce" battle with cancer. The couple had been together for 59 years after getting married when they were both just 16-years-old.

The hit singer has not spoken publicly since his wife's death until yesterday evening.

Born in Treforest, Pontypridd, Sir Tom soared to fame in 1965 when 'It's Not Unusual' reached number 1 in the UK and US music charts. Credit: PA

In an interview before Linda's death, the musician revealed how much his wife meant to him.

Tom cancelled his Asian tour as Linda fell seriously ill, but he is still due to perform at Hampton Court Palace on June 8 as he starts his UK tour.