To honor her late fiance, the 'Downtown Abbey' actress solemnly sings a jazz song which she previously performed at the 2011 London Jazz Festival.
- Dec 17, 2015
AceShowbiz - Michelle Dockery bid farewell to her late fiance John Dineen at his funeral sevice at St. James Church in Ballinora, Ireland on Wednesday, December 16. At the deeply emotional funeral, the "Downton Abbey" actress sang "The Folks on the Hill" and delivered a touching speech, The Irish Independent reported.
Before Michelle sang the song, she revealed her hesitance whether or not she should sing. Nevertheless, she admitted that John's father was the one who encouraged her to sing from the altar. "[John's father is] just as persuasive as his son," she joked. The British beauty reportedly used to sing the old '30s Oscar Hammerstein II song to her beloved fiance. She also performed the same song at the 2011 London Jazz Festival.
"Whether in his work or his personal life John was extremely loyal," Michelle said of John at the service. "It was clear that when John was in your corner he was there. I was honored to know John. To love him and be loved by him. He was my friend, my king, my hero, my everything. We celebrate him, we honor him and we will miss him."
Chief Celebrant Fr Declan Mansfield noted that John was supposed to celebrate his birthday on Thursday while Michelle's birthday was on Tuesday. To honor what supposed to be their special occasions, John's favorite gifts were brought to the altar. They included a stuffed monkey, a Munster rugby jersey and a tie. A photograph rested on the coffin showing him in a striped shirt.
John passed away on Sunday night after months of battle with cancer. Michelle previously cut short her promotional trip to the U.S. to fly back home to be with her ailing beau. "The family is very grateful for the support and kindness they have received but would kindly request that they are left to grieve in private," a rep said in statement.
