Lead singer of 70s family pop group The Dooleys with string of top 10 hits dies after dementia battle

KATHY Dooley, singer in the family band the Dooleys, has died aged 70. Her tragic death has been confirmed after the singer’s long battle with dementia. Kathy Dooley has died aged 70 after fighting fronto-temporal dementia Credit: Instagram/@fionajanemack Jim Dooley, John Dooley, Frank Dooley, Kathy Dooley, Anne Dooley, Helen Dooley, Alan Bogan and Bob Walsh Credit: Getty The band had a run of hits throughout the 1970s including Think I’m Gonna Fall in Love With You and The Chosen Few. They were the first Western group to play in the Soviet Union in 1975 and were a hit in the country, even recording a live album The Dooley Family in Moscow. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! Kath later went onto star in the long-running Phantom of the Opera on Ice – despite not wearing skates. Her sister Fiona said: “The brutal disease fronto-temporal dementia stole the last decade of her life, but in death, we remember her as she actually was – a quietly, thoughtfully, and abundantly loving person. Kathy Dooley was the lead singer in the family band Credit: YouTube/ TheDooleysFanChan She first sang with her siblings on stage aged 12 Credit: YouTube/ TheDooleysFanChan “A shining star in the music world in her youth (remember The Dooleys?), her walls were lined with platinum records, but I knew her as a loving and supportive wife to my brother and adoring step-mother to my nieces. “She was warm, gentle, and empathetic with a crystalline singing voice and a tremendous sense of humour, and she was devoted to her dogs, Elsa and Della. We will miss her always. “Rest in peace, sweet girl.” The star was born in East London to Scottish parents as the eighth youngest of 10 siblings. Most read in Showbiz Her dad James was a driver for Field Marshal Montgomery during the Second World War. He even assisted in putting up the tent where the German surrender was received. Both her and Kathy’s mother, Annie, were musical and this was passed onto their children who used to sing while doing the dishes. After singing in the school choir she took to the stage age 12 with her brothers and sisters at a St Patrick’s Day concert at their local Catholic Church. The family then started performing in talent shows with Kathy and her sisters Anne and Marie singing while brothers Jim, John and Frank played guitar. In 1974 they signed to Helen Shapiro’s label Alaska and they released their debut single Hands Across the Sea. They moved to BBC label BeeB and were named Best Group at the National Club Acts awards in 1976. A year later I Think I’m Gonna Fall in Love With You was release and it shot to No3. This kickstarted a run of hits including Wanted which got to No 3 in 1979 and The Chosen Few which reached No 7. The Dooleys truly were “Big in Japan” after their song Wanted stayed at the top of the charts for 10 weeks. At one concert in Tokyo they drew a bigger crowd than The Beatles had managed with 55,000 fans showing up. After selling millions of records, they disbanded in the 1990s and Kathy had a successful career on stage with musicals and pantomimes. Kathy died in April and the tragic news was announced in a Facebook group on behalf of her siblings. Frank Dooley’s statement said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister Kathleen at around 7-00pm on the 22nd April 2026. “She was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia some eight years ago and had been receiving specialist care since 2019. “Kathy was at the heart of our family and the music we created. Her lead vocals and harmonies were loved by all and, together with Anne, her contributions to selecting stage clothes, presentations and choreography, were essential to our image and success. “Our thoughts and love are with her husband Andrew, who has ensured that Kathleen received the best possible care throughout her illness. “Also to all the staff at Parsons Grange, who provided exceptional care, love and attention. “Finally thanks to All of you, for sharing your love and memories of our beautiful sister. “She will be Greatly missed by all who knew her.” Kathy is survived by her husband of 25 years Andrew Mackintosh.