Introduction:
Sir Tom Jones, the legendary voice behind timeless hits such as Delilah, Sex Bomb, and What’s New Pussycat, has captivated audiences for decades with his powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. Yet, behind the spotlight lies a deeply personal story of love, heartbreak, and resilience.
Born in Pontypridd, Wales, Jones’ career skyrocketed in the 1960s, making him a global icon. His personal life, however, was defined by one enduring love — his wife, Linda Trenchard. The two married at just 16 years old and shared 59 years together, weathering both the glories and the scandals of fame. Despite rumors and confirmed stories of infidelity, Linda remained his anchor, and Jones always referred to her as his lady.
Tragically, Linda passed away in April 2016 after a short but fierce battle with lung cancer. Her death left Jones devastated. He canceled all performances, unable to face the stage. In interviews, he admitted struggling to cope, even questioning whether he could ever sing again. “When you’re emotional, you can’t sing,” he explained. “Your voice closes up.”
Jones often reflected on their life together, sharing intimate details, such as Linda’s favorite song — Bob Dylan’s What Good Am I. Reading the lyrics after her passing, he wondered if he should have urged her to see a doctor sooner. This haunting thought weighed heavily on him.
In her final days, Linda expressed her wish to return to England. After her passing, Jones honored her request, selling their Los Angeles mansion and moving back to London. “She always wanted to come back,” he said. “She couldn’t do it, so she told me to do it in her last week alive.”
The couple had one son, Mark Woodward, but Jones also fathered another son, Jonathan Berkery, from an affair in 1987 with then 24-year-old Katherine Berkery. Jones initially denied paternity, but a DNA test proved otherwise. While he provided financial support until Jonathan turned 18, he never formed a relationship with him. Jonathan, who has faced hardships including homelessness and drug addiction, has expressed a longing to simply sit and talk with his father. “All I ever wanted was his love,” he said.
Despite the controversies surrounding his personal life, Jones’ dedication to his wife remained evident in the years following her death. He has not sought another romantic partner, declaring he would “never love another woman again.” Instead, he channels his emotions into his performances, allowing the depth of his grief and love to enrich his artistry.
Today, fans around the world still celebrate Sir Tom Jones for his extraordinary contributions to music and his ability to connect deeply with audiences. While his personal journey has been marked by both triumph and tragedy, his story is one of enduring passion — for music, for performance, and above all, for the woman who inspired him for nearly six decades.