Daniel O’Donnell and his mum Julia who passed away this morning

IRISH country singer Daniel O’Donnell has been left devastated after his mother Julia passed away in the early hours of this morning.

Julia, 94, died at Dungloe Community Hospital in Co Donegal at 3.50 am.

Mrs O’Donnell had been in hospital for a number of days after taking ill last week.

A heartbroken Daniel posted a message on his Facebook account announcing the death of his mum.

“It is with great sadness that we have to announce that our dear mother Julia passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Dungloe Hospital surrounded by her family at Sunday at 3.50am.

“My siblings John, Margaret, Kathleen, James and myself would like to thank you all for the kindness shown to her down through the years.

“May her gentle soul rest in peace,” he said.

Daniel’s sister Margo has revealed how she had spent the past number of weeks reading her soon-to-be published autobiography to her mum.

“A very sad day for me and my siblings, my mam passed away in the early hours.

“John Bosco, myself, Kathleen, James and Daniel all spent special time by her bedside, also her nephews and nieces.

“My mum was so looking forward to my autobiography being published. I am glad I spent time over the past few months reading paragraphs to her,” she said.

Daniel was due to perform at a concert to raise funds for Dungloe Community Hospital later today.

Organisers have now cancelled the event as a mark of respect to the late Mrs O’Donnell.

Mrs O’Donnell’s remains will be taken from McGlynn’s funeral home at 4pm today and taken to her home in Kincasslagh.

She will be buried after funeral mass at 1pm at St Mary’s Church in Kincasslagh on Tuesday.