Sir Cliff Richard’s sister Donna Goulden dies age 73 after long illness

Sir Cliff Richard is mourning the loss of his sister Donna Goulden, who has died at the age of 73.

The singer, who was cleared of historic sex abuse allegations just a few weeks ago, had a close relationship with the eldest of his three sisters since childhood.

A spokesperson for Sir Cliff confirmed the news to MailOnline, stating that Goulden had died of natural causes after battling ill health for some time.

A source close to the singer added: “You can imagine what it must have been like to be a teenager in the late 1950s and your brother is one of Britain’s biggest stars.

“She used to transcribe lyrics for him off the latest American singles so he and his early group The Drifters could play them.”

Goulden is thought to have passed away on August 6, ahead of Richard’s concert in Denmark on Saturday evening.

The singer’s former band mate Tony Rivers wrote on Facebook: “What a bad year this has been with so many artists passing on, and other things contributing.

“It has been absolutely depressing for Sir Cliff, two years of hell, with the totally unsubstantiated accusations he’s had to live with, other problems and just when the BBC/Police stuff was dropped, he has lost a close family member Donna (his sister) who passed away a day or so ago.”

Sir Cliff recently spoke out to say that he was thrilled after South Yorkshire Police confirmed he would be facing no charges over allegations of historical child sex abuse.

He said in a statement: “I have always maintained my innocence, co-operated fully with the investigation, and cannot understand why it has taken so long to get to this point. Nevertheless, I am obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close."