Val Doonican

Val Doonican, an Irish singer who appeared regularly on the BBC Television Network as host of "The Val Doonican Show," died Wednesday, July 1. He was 88. The Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Val Doonican, an easygoing Irish singer whose warm style and fondness for knitwear made him an icon of light entertainment, has died. He was 88.

Doonican's family said he died Wednesday at a nursing home in southern England. They gave the cause as "just old age."

Sometimes known as "Ireland's Bing Crosby," Doonican had a string of British chart hits through the 1960s and '70s, including "Walk Tall," ''The Special Years" and "Elusive Butterfly."

On "The Val Doonican Show," which ran on BBC television from 1965 to 1986, the singer performed easy-listening pop songs, often while wearing woolen pullovers. For his many, fans he was a reassuring presence. One album was called "Val Doonican Rocks, But Gently."

Doonican is survived by his wife, Lynne and two daughters.