Michael Flatley, 68, Announces Death of Wife, 52

The Daily Beast • October 5, 2026 • entertainment

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Michael Flatley, renowned Irish dance star known for revolutionizing traditional Irish dance, announced the death of his wife, Niamh O’Brien, at age 52.
O’Brien passed away at Dublin’s Beacon Hospital just hours before a planned trip to the U.S. for specialist treatment, after battling illness for several years.
She was a skilled Irish dancer, placing 4th in the World Irish Dancing Championships at 17 and performing in major productions including Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.
O’Brien and Flatley married in 2006, had a son in 2007, and she remained actively involved in his dance productions despite her illness.
Flatley has been described as devastated and grief-stricken, having devoted significant time to caring for his wife during her illness.