The Love Boat star Jack Jones dies at the age of 86 after battle with leukaemia

Iconic singer and actor Jack Jones has sadly lost his battle with leukaemia and passed away at the age of 86.

The legendary star who shot to fame from hits including Love Boat Theme and Wives and Lovers, died on Wednesday October 23. News of the Grammy award winner's death was confirmed by his step-daughter. The singer had been battling with leukaemia

Jack starred in eight series of The Love Boat that started in 1977 and he also sang the theme tune of the hit series that was the epitome of romance. The lyrics read: "Love, exciting and new. Come aboard, We're expecting you." He later released The Love Boat Theme in 1979.

And in 1982, he is seen performing the theme in a cameo stint in the film Airplane II: The Sequel. Jack was no stranger to the of showbiz as he was born into it. His mother Irene Hervey was an Emmy nominated actress and starred in a number of film and TV productions, for more than 50 years.

Meanwhile his father Allan Jones played the lead in the 1936 film Show Boat and also in the Marx Brothers' A Night at the Opera, in 1935. As a good looking man, Jack was known for being somewhat of a ladies man which may explain why he married six times. His wives included Jill St John and he was also reportedly romantically linked to Susan George.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, his step-daughter Nicole Whitty announced that he had passed away at the Eisenhower Medical in Rancho Mirage, in California. During his career, the musician released twenty studio albums that were within the genre of pop but he also dipped his toe into the world of jazz.

As well as singing, the late star also appeared in a number of shows such as The Dinah Shore Chevy Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Andy Williams Show, The Dick Cavett Show, among others. His first big break came when his father performed at the Thunderbird Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Following his first taste of showbiz, he then went on to build his own glittering career, which spanned many decades.

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