Cynthia Lennon, first wife of John Lennon, has died aged 75

Cynthia Lennon, first wife of late Beatle John Lennon, has died, her family said on Wednesday. She was 75.

"Cynthia Lennon passed away today at her home in Mallorca, Spain, following a short but brave battle with cancer," according to a statement on her son Julian's website.

"Her son Julian Lennon was at her bedside throughout. The family are thankful for your prayers," it added.

Cynthia Powell and Beatle John Lennon were married in 1962. They divorced in 1968, when he left her for Japanese artist Yoko Ono. John Lennon was shot dead in New York in 1980 at the age of 40.

Ono said in a statement on Wednesday that she was "very saddened" by the news. "(Cynthia) was a great person and a wonderful mother to Julian. She had such a strong zest for life and I felt proud how we two women stood firm in the Beatles family."

Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr added their condolences.

"She was a lovely lady who I've known since our early days together in Liverpool. She was a good mother to Julian and will be missed by us all, but I will always have great memories of our times together," McCartney, 72, said on his website.

Starr, 74, tweeted: "Peace and love to Julian Lennon God bless Cynthia love Ringo and Barbara xx."

The fourth Beatle, George Harrison, died in 2001.

News
What do we know about Simon of Cyrene?
What do we know about Simon of Cyrene?

Easter may have passed, but some figures in the story stay with us long after the day itself. One of those is Simon of Cyrene - a man who appears for only a moment, says nothing, and then disappears. And yet, his story carries lessons we can hold onto all year round.

There may not be a Christian revival, but Britain’s traditional churches aren’t doomed
There may not be a Christian revival, but Britain’s traditional churches aren’t doomed

There are good reasons to doubt that Britain is experiencing a Christian revival today – but that does not mean it is dying out.

Pastor preaches in Bristol city centre despite fears of arrest
Pastor preaches in Bristol city centre despite fears of arrest

A pastor has returned to street preaching in Bristol city centre just over four months after he was arrested for his comments on Islam and transgender ideology. 

The biblical backstory of Iran
The biblical backstory of Iran

Iran is back in the headlines. The word “Iran” does not appear in the Bible, but the names of preceding peoples and empires occupying that land today are written into the biblical narrative. This is the story …