Sir Cliff Richard’s sister has died.
The ‘Young Ones’ hitmaker – who recently had historical sex abuse allegations against him dropped due to insufficient evidence – is mourning the loss of Donna Goulden, 73, who passed away from natural causes following a long period of poor health earlier this month.
The 75-year-old singer still performed in Denmark on Saturday (06.08.16), reportedly the day on which Donna, the eldest of his three sisters, died.
Insiders say Cliff had a very strong bond with his sibling, particularly when they were younger.
A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "You can imagine what it must have been like to be a teenager in the late 1950s and your brother is one of Britain’s biggest stars.
"She used to transcribe lyrics for him off the latest American singles so he and his early group The Drifters could play them.
"Cliff has always been close to his family and generous towards them."
Cliff’s former bandmate Tony Rivers described recent times for his friend as "two years of hell", following the allegations against him, the BBC filming a police raid on his home, and now the sad loss of his sister.
Tony wrote: "What a bad year this has been with so many artists passing on, and other things contributing.
"It has been absolutely depressing for Sir Cliff, two years of hell, with the totally unsubstantiated accusations he’s had to live with, other problems and just when the BBC/Police stuff was dropped, he has lost a close family member Donna (his sister) who passed away a day or so ago."
Meanwhile, the ‘Summer Holiday’ singer recently confirmed he plans to sue the BBC and South Yorkshire Police after the raid on his house was broadcast live.
He said: "My life was effectively turned upside down and my reputation, worldwide, was unnecessarily damaged. I would not want the same to happen to others whether in the public eye or not.
"Whilst the police of course need to properly investigate allegations made to them, it is clear to me that questions need to be answered by both the police and the BBC about their initial handling of my matter, which has rightly been condemned from so many quarters, including the Home Affairs Select Committee, the broader press, and, even the police themselves."
It is believed he is seeking around £1 million in damages.
The BBC haven’t commented on the lawsuit but previously said they were "very sorry" for causing the singer distress.
Cliff Richard mourning sister
