Kathy Dooley, the lead singer of family 70s pop group The Dooleys, has died after a battle with dementia, her family have announced
Kathy Dooley has died at the age of 70(Image: YouTube)
Kathy Dooley has died at the age of 70 following a battle with dementia. The singer was the lead for the family group The Dooleys, who had a string of hits in the 1970s including Think I’m Gonna Fall in Love With You and The Chosen Few. Her death was confirmed by her devastated sister Fiona.
In a statement, she said: “The brutal disease fronto-temporal dementia stole the last decade of her life, but in death, we remember her as she actually was – a quietly, thoughtfully, and abundantly loving person.
“A shining star in the music world in her youth (remember The Dooleys?), her walls were lined with platinum records, but I knew her as a loving and supportive wife to my brother and adoring step-mother to my nieces.
“She was warm, gentle, and empathetic with a crystalline singing voice and a tremendous sense of humour, and she was devoted to her dogs, Elsa and Della. We will miss her always. Rest in peace, sweet girl.”
Kathy died in April and her death was announced in a social media group. Frank added: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister Kathleen at around 7-00pm on the 22nd April 2026. She was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia some eight years ago and had been receiving specialist care since 2019.
“Kathy was at the heart of our family and the music we created. Her lead vocals and harmonies were loved by all and, together with Anne, her contributions to selecting stage clothes, presentations and choreography, were essential to our image and success.”
He added: “Our thoughts and love are with her husband Andrew, who has ensured that Kathleen received the best possible care throughout her illness. Also to all the staff at Parsons Grange, who provided exceptional care, love and attention. Finally thanks to All of you, for sharing your love and memories of our beautiful sister. She will be Greatly missed by all who knew her.”
During her lengthy career, Kathy performed alongside her family. She first performed at the age of 12 alongside her siblings at a concert at their local church. From then, they performed in talent shows, with Kathy and her sisters sisters Anne and Marie singing whilst their brothers Jim, John and Frank played guitar.
They released their debut single Hands Across The Sea in 1974 before being named Best Group at the National Club Acts awards in 1976. Their song I Think I’m Gonna Fall in Love With You shot to third in the charts and their track Wanted was top of the charts for nearly three months. They disbanded in the 1990s and Kathy turned to the stage, performing in musicals and pantomime.
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