Dame Vera Lynn has died at the age of 103, her family has announced.

The British icon is famed for keeping the population's spirits high during World War II thanks to her hits We'll Meet Again and White Cliffs of Dover - the former of which has been sung by many throughout the UK's COVID-19 lockdown.

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Her family revealed the news in a statement this morning, saying:

"The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain's best-loved entertainers at the age of 103.

"Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family."

Lynn's family said that further information about a memorial will be announced at a later date.

The 103-year-old's passing comes after the Queen referenced her songs during the coronavirus lockdown when she told families and friends separated from their loved ones: "We will meet again."

"My songs reminded the boys of what they were really fighting for," Lynn once said, per the Telegraph. "Precious, personal things, rather than ideologies and theories."

During the war, Lynn performed for troops, often putting herself in danger, in a number of counties including Egypt, India, and Burma.

Dame Vera Lynn. [[imagecaption|| Credit: PA Images]]

After Lynn's success as a wartime singer, she went on to have her own television show and toured the world.

Lynn remained an outspoken advocate for military veterans throughout her life.

In May, she urged the British public to "remember the brave boys and what they sacrificed for us".

She added: "They left their families and homes to fight for our freedom and many lost their lives trying to protect us and our liberties."

She also encouraged the public to "rediscover that same spirit that saw us through the war" amid the coronavirus pandemic in a message recorded before her 103rd birthday in March.

British icon Vera Lynn has died aged 103