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
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.