Gary Barlow is doubtful for the Olympics closing ceremony concert after his baby daughter Poppy died at birth over the weekend. The Take That star, 41, released a statement late on Monday, saying, "Dawn and I are devastated to announce that we've lost our baby".
The musician said his focus was now on giving Poppy a "beautiful funeral" and concentrating on his three children, adding, "We'd ask at this painful time that our privacy be respected". Gary and Dawn are already parents to Daniel, 11, Emily, 9, and Daisy, 3, and a source close to the pair told the UK's Daily Mail, "Gary and Dawn are just heartbroken. This is completely senseless. They just want time to grieve now and be with their children". A spokesman for Barlow says it is "too early" to comment on whether he would be performing at the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday (August 12, 2012). Barlow is scheduled to hold a prominent role in the ceremony, which will also feature performances from the likes of The Who and Muse. Jessie J has reportedly been given the job of tackling the national anthem. Tributes for Gary and his wife have been pouring in over the last 24 hours, most notably from Andrew Lloyd-webber, who tweeted, "Dearest Dawn [and] Gary, Madeleine [and] I are devastated about news of Poppy. Our thoughts [and] prayers are with you and your family".
The tragic news comes less than two weeks after Gary's Take That band mate Mark Owen welcomed his third child with wife Emma. Robbie Williams is also expecting a baby girl with wife Ayfa Field.