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Amelia Shone-AdamsBBC Wales
PA Media
Dame Shirley Bassey was made a Companion of Honour in 2024 - honouring service of conspicuous national importance
Dame Shirley Bassey has revealed she will no longer be replying to fan mail - after having hand surgery.
The Welsh singer, from Cardiff, shared her disappointment on Instagram: "At this point of time, I'm sorry to say that due to up-and-coming hand surgery, I will no longer be able to reply to fan mail."
The 89-year-old said she had been "truly humbled" by the letters she had received "from all around world" over the course of her 70-year career.
Welsh compatriot TV star Carol Vorderman commented: "Shirley. You are the very definition of a star and wishing you all the best. Please let me know if there is anything I can do, and I hope to see you soon."
In her post, Dame Shirley said it had been an honour to entertain fans over the years, and her pleasure at receiving their letters.
"I have had the privilege to meet many of you, and receive fan mail from all around the world!" she wrote.
"Through letters shared, I have read of your celebrations, your losses, your achievements, memories, dreams - and even how my music has brought generations of families together.
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Dame Shirley grew up in Tiger Bay in Cardiff, leaving school at 14 to work in a packing factory.
In the evenings and on weekends however, the teenager could be found singing in local clubs and pubs - where her star potential was spotted in 1955.
Her subsequent career has spanned more than seven decades and seen her become a global star, with an unsurpassed three James Bond theme tunes to her name.
Between 1964 and 1979, Dame Shirley recorded theme tunes for Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker.
Her 1960 recording of As Long As He Needs Me, from the musical Oliver!, spent 30 weeks in the charts, and in 1999 she memorably performed the official song - alongside Bryn Terfel - at the opening of the Rugby World Cup at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, wearing a gown based on the Welsh flag.
A true Welsh icon, Bassey was made a dame in 1999 for her services to entertainment.
Two years ago, in 2024, she was made a Companion of Honour at a ceremony in Windsor Castle. The honour is limited to 65 people and recognises her outstanding, long-term contribution to the arts.
She later recalled how she forgot to curtsy when she met the King to receive the award.
"That's why I grabbed his hands - because I forgot to curtsy," she said.
She added: "I think it's more nerve-wracking to receive the award from him than to sing in front of him."
