Clodagh Rodgers represented the UK for Ireland Eurovision 1971 with Jack In The Box. She finished fourth with 98 points for the UK. Losing to Monaco's 128 points song Un banc, un arbre, une rue"(A bench, a tree, a street) sung by Séverine. The Northern Irish singer's son Sam Sorbie confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post shared on Saturday. He shared that Rodgers died on Friday after a short illness.

In a heartfelt tribute he penned: "With a heavy heart, my dear beautiful mum Clodagh has sadly passed away after battling an illness for the last three years. She passed away peacefully yesterday surrounded by her family in Cobham. Mum has lived an incredible life, full of love and happiness. Her fantastic career performing, traveling the world, devoting her life to her two sons and being the rock of this family. Life will not be the same without Mum, but she will finally be at peace now with dad, nanny and pappa."

He concluded: "We all love and miss her terribly."

Fans flocked to offer their condolences to the singer as one fan wrote: "All our condolences Sam and sincere thanks for informing us here in such a personal and timely way at this time of great personal bereavement. It means more than I can say to those many of us who loved your wonderful mum from afar."

A second penned: "So sorry to hear this Sam. Those of us on here realise what a special lady she was. A great talent and lovely person. Much underrated."

A third commented: "Very sad to hear that Sam. She brought so much joy to so many people. Sending love and light to you and the rest of the family at this sad time."

"So very sad and sorry. My condolences to all of the family, Clodagh brought me much joy over the years. May she RIP," a fourth added.

Rodgers was born on March 5, 1947 in Northern Ireland and began her professional singing career at the age of thirteen, when she opened for Michael Holliday.

Her father, a dancehall tour promoter, helped her sign with Decca in 1962, where her earliest singles were produced by Shel Talmy.

She made her TV debut came on 26 September 1962, appearing as a guest on BBC TV's Adam Faith Show performing Let's Jump the Broomstick.

After several television appearances she soon became a household name and was asked to represent the UK in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin.

For the performance in Dublin, Rodgers wore a pink frilly top and spangled hot pants and finished in fourth place, behind Monaco, Spain and Germany.

The single reached number four on the UK Singles Chart, her third UK Top 10 success and remained her most famous hit to date.

In 2001, the retired singer played a recurring character in the ITV police drama series The Bill.