Brave Michelle Dockery spoke and sang at the funeral of her fiancé John Dineen, who died on Sunday aged just 34, saying she was 'honoured' to have been loved by him
Heartbroken Michelle Dockery said an emotional farewell to her fiancé as she spoke at his funeral on Wednesday.
The Downton Abbey star described love John Dineen as ‘my friend, my king, my hero, my everything’ as she addressed the congregation at St James’ Catholic Church near his family home in Waterfall, Ireland.
‘I was honoured to know John,’ she said at the alter, which was decorated with some of her love’s favourite item’s including a cuddly toy monkey from his childhood and a rugby shirt and tie.
‘To love him and be loved by him.’
The brave beauty also sang John’s favourite song, The Folks Who Live On The Hill, which she said she used to sing to him.
The Irish financial PR man sadly died on Sunday having been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer 15 months ago. He was just 34 years old.
‘John was a man of great depth and integrity,’ Michelle said.
‘Whether in his work or his personal life he was extremely loyal. It was clear that when John was in your corner he was there.’
The award-winning actress – who plays Lady Mary in Downton – went on to describe John as an ‘extraordinary man’ who would be hugely missed by his family and friends.
She added that he was ‘charming, pragmatic and cheeky’ and that his ‘charm was legendary.’
‘He could persuade anyone to do what he wanted in the least pushy way possible, particularly the women,’ she added.
‘He had a presence that was electric when he came in to the room. He had a wicked sense of humour. He had a genuine interest in other people.
‘We celebrate him, we honour him and we will miss him.’
Father Declan Mansfield went on to reveal how, tragically, the funeral fell between what should have been two happy events – Michelle’s 34th birthday on Tuesday and what would have been John’s 35th birthday on Thursday.
Award-winning actress Michelle was left ‘devastated’ following John’s death on Sunday.
She flew back from a promotional tour in the US last Thursday to be by his side in a local hospice during his final days.
The pair were believed to have gotten engaged in February of this year after fellow Downton star Allen Leech reportedly introduced them in 2013.
After news of John’s death emerged on Monday, Michelle’s fans flooded her Instagram account with messages of love and support.
‘So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in this difficult time and may he rest in peace,’ one wrote.
Another added: ‘So sorry for your loss. “Those we don’t forget, will never die”. Lots of good thoughts and positive energy on this hard times.’
Our thoughts are with Michelle at this sad and difficult time.
The post ‘My hero, my everything’: Downton’s Michelle Dockery says emotional farewell to her fiancé at his funeral appeared first on Celebs Now.