ESTEPONA, Spain (CelebrityAccess) — Cilla Black, a beloved British entertainer of the stage and screen, died of a stroke at her home in Spain on Saturday. She was 72.
According to the BBC, Black was sunbathing at her villa in Estepona when she lost her balance after standing up, fell and struck her head, knocking her unconscious. She subsequently died from a stroke.
"We are devastated by the sad loss of our mother, but have been deeply touched by all the kind messages of support from her friends, fans, the public and media," her sons Robert, Ben and Jack Willis said in a press statement.
"We would like to thank everyone, especially the people of Liverpool. The tributes and condolences have really helped us through these difficult times."
Priscilla Maria Veronica White, known by her stage name Cilla Black, began her career as a singer in 1963. Championed by the Beatles, she had eleven top ten hits in Britain during the 1960s and early 1970s.
Later in her career, she went on to be a television presenter, hosting several successful game shows.
In 2013, she was feted by British television network ITV with a show celebrating her 50 years in show business. – Staff Writers
