In a heartwarming surprise during a concert, Sir Rod Stewart delighted his fans by introducing his 94-year-old sister Mary as a special guest backing singer.
The music icon, aged 78, expressed his joy of being "in Edinburgh with my big sister, Mary" as he concluded his sold-out UK tour.
"At 94, she's on a rock'n'roll stage and loving it. She has and continues to teach me about life," Sir Rod told the Mirror, clearly overjoyed with Mary's spirited participation.
Swathed in a Royal Banner of Scotland flag, Mary gleefully joined Sir Rod's chorus, greeted with cheers from an enthusiastic crowd. The final performances at Edinburgh Castle held particular significance due to the Stewart family's deep-rooted Scottish heritage.
Born into a family of five children, Sir Rod, a lifelong Celtic supporter, was the youngest of the bunch. His siblings were born in Scotland before the family relocated to London, which was Sir Rod's birthplace. The past year has been challenging for the music legend as he mourned the loss of his elder brothers and "best mates" Bob and Don.
"It's with great sadness that I announce the loss of my brother Bob last night, who joins my brother Don on the great football pitch in the sky. I've lost two of my best mates in two months," Sir Rod revealed last November.
He had previously lost his sister Peggy to multiple sclerosis in 1975. He fondly remembered his siblings in 2019, crediting them for their instrumental support in his music career.
The 'Maggie May' singer, who was knighted in 2016, reminisced about his parents during the ceremony, expressing his wish for them to witness his accolade. "I just wish my mum and dad had been here to see it," he said after meeting the Duke of Cambridge.
This heartwarming family reunion onstage comes on the heels of Sir Rod's firm rebuttal to speculations about his retirement. Despite battles with health issues, including recent knee surgery and past fights with prostate and thyroid cancers, the tireless musician assures fans that he "loves what he does" and has no plans of stepping back from the limelight anytime soon.
In a heartwarming update, legendary musician Sir Rod has been blessed with grandfatherhood for the second time. His son, Liam, and partner Nicole welcomed their first child, Louie, in May.
The Celtic-themed birth announcement featured an adorable snapshot of baby Louie in a Celtic kit. Liam penned a loving message: "Welcome lad love you. American, British, Croatian, Kiwi. Louie Mark Roderick Stewart 5.12.23. (sic)"
Further extending the joyous family news, just days later, Sir Rod's daughter Ruby, from his relationship with Kelly Emberg, welcomed her first child.
Ruby and her fiancé Jake Kalic were thrilled to introduce son Otis to their world.
Sharing the precious moments with her Instagram followers, Ruby penned an emotional message: "This love… unlike any other love I’ve ever known…. I am only a mirror of what I feel from you… I can’t remember what life was like before you…."