Dame Shirley Bassey has revealed she is having surgery that will prevent her from using her hand.
The Welsh singer, 89, took to Instagram this week to apologise to fans as she revealed she will no longer be able to reply to fan mail.
In an emotional statement, Shirley shared her joy at being able to connect with fans over the years and sign their vinyls and photographs.
But in a health update, she said she is set to undergo surgery on her hand that will prevent her from being able to sign fan mail anymore.
Shirley wrote: 'It has been an honour to sing and entertain my fans for over 70 years.'
'Across seven decades (wow!) I have had the privilege to meet many of you and received fan mail from all around the world. I always loved seeing the different stamps and used to collect them in a book.
Dame Shirley Bassey has revealed she is having surgery that will prevent her from using her hand
In an emotional statement, Shirley shared her joy at being able to connect with fans over the years and sign their vinyls and photographs
'Through letters shared, I have read of your celebrations, your losses, your achievement, memories, dreams and even how my music has brought generations of families together. I am truly humbled.'
She continued: 'At this point of time, I'm sorry to say that due to up-and-coming hand surgery, I will no longer be able to reply to fan mail.
'We kindly request for you to avoid sending vinyls, personal items and photographs as we will be unable to post them back to you.
'Your support has been incredible. Every single letter I have received has been an honour. All my love, Dame .'
Many fans and friends shared their well-wishes, as wrote: 'Shirley. You are the very definition of a star and wishing you all the best.
'Please let me know if there is anything I can do and I hope to see you soon xx❤️.'
Meanwhile songwriter Diane Warren said: '❤️u are a legend and forever honored that U did my song I Was Here!!❤️.'
'Much love ❤️,' said drag queen Baga Chipz, while TV personality Tessa Hartman added: 'Lots of love our Queen from all of The Hartmanns. Wishing you a speedy recovery and good health. ❤️'
Shirley was born on Bute Street, Cardiff in 1937 to Nigerian father, Henry Bassey, and Teeside mother, Eliza Jane Start.
She was the youngest of her six siblings - three sisters, one brother, and two half-sisters - and grew up in the nearby community of Splott.
But in a health update, she said she is set to undergo surgery on her hand that will prevent her from being able to sign fan mail anymore (Pictured this month)
Many fans and friends shared their well-wishes, as Carol Vorderman wrote: 'Shirley. You are the very definition of a star and wishing you all the best'
Meanwhile songwriter Diane Warren said: '❤️u are a legend and forever honored that U did my song I Was Here!!❤️'
'Much love ❤️,' said drag queen Baga Chipz, while TV personality Tessa Hartman added: 'Lots of love our Queen from all of The Hartmanns'
Shirley had a strong voice from a very young age, often singing in the hallways of Moorland Road School, despite receiving very little applause from peers and teachers.
The Cardiff-born singer left the city when she was only 14-years old to sing in local pubs and clubs in the starry city of London.
In 1953, Shirley bagged her first professional contract, which saw her tour with a variety show based on the life of famed singer Al Jolson named Memories of Jolson.
Later that year in December, the singer signed on the dotted line with Columbia Productions for two shows, receiving a paycheck of £10.
The following year she toured with another show called Hot From Harlem, the act included other mixed race Cardiffians who played the roles of African Americans.
Thanks to her sister Ella taking care of her eldest daughter Sharon, Shirley was able to pursue her singing dreams, including an extremely important performance in Scotland.
Whilst on her first national tour, she was asked by promoter if she would consider performing at the Glasgow Empire.
With the theatre having the reputation of being one of the most difficult in the country, he bargained with Shirley that if she could 'win over' the audience he would offer her a contract.
Despite their heckling nature, Shirley managed to control the crowd commanded the crowd, telling them that if they weren't willing to listen then she would just go home.
Shirley was born on Bute Street, Cardiff in 1937 to Nigerian father, Henry Bassey, and Teeside mother, Eliza Jane Start (Pictured in 2023)
By the time she finished the song, the applause from the well-renowned tough crows was 'deafening'.
The promoter later heard through word of mouth about Shirley's triumph performance, and handed her a contract.
Throughout her career, Shirley has bagged numerous hit songs including Love Song, Never, Never, Never and This Is My Life.
She has performed more than 45 times at the Royal Albert Hall throughout a career that saw her play the 80th birthday celebrations of both Prince Philip and Mikhail Gorbachev.
She is widely regarded as one of the most popular and powerful vocalists in Britain, her career
The crooner also
The songs hugely contributed to the success of their respective films, making Shirley the only artist to record several James Bond theme tunes.
She has received many honours and awards for her incredible career, including a damehood, an induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
She has also been handed the Freedom Of The City Of Cardiff, as well as being named in 1994 and 2024 in the New Years Honours for her services to music.
