Reverend Richard Coles announces death of partner Reverend David Coles, aged 42
Couple, who were both priests, shared a home in Northamptonshire
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Reverend David Coles, the partner of Reverend Richard Coles, has died at the age of 42.
Reverend Richard confirmed on Twitter that David had experienced a long illness, while thanking those who looked after his partner at Kettering General Hospital.
“I’m very sorry to say that @RevDavidColes has died,” Richard wrote. “He had been ill for a while. Thanks to the brilliant teams who looked after him at @KettGeneral.”
He added a quote from Isaiah 60:20 that reads: “The Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.”
The couple, both priests, met one another in 2007 and shared a home in Northamptonshire with their dogs.
The Reverend Richard Coles was the keyboard player in Eighties pop group The Communards and is now vicar of Finedon, Northamptonshire. He is also a TV presenter and competed on the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
David Coles’ death led to an outpouring of support from stars, including Nigella Lawson, Fern Britton, Simon Mayo and Philip Pullman.
Dianne Buswell, the Reverend's professional partner on Strictly Come Dancing, tweeted: “I am so sorry to hear this. Sending all my love to you rev! My prayers and thoughts are with you.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments