Tom Jones, a living legend of music, has captivated audiences for decades with his hit songs like “It’s Not Unusual,” “She’s a Lady,” and “What’s New Pussycat?” However, his recent performance has left people in tears as he dedicated the song to his late wife, whom he was married to for 59 years.
At 83 years old, Tom Jones serves as a mentor on the popular UK singing competition show, The Voice. But on a recent episode, it was Jones himself who took the spotlight with a deeply emotional song.
Introducing the song titled “I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall,” Jones expressed its personal significance, saying, “I try to select songs that hold a special meaning for me. This song conveys the message that sometimes the people you love need your support. You must give them strength and encouragement.”
From his chair, he delivered a stunning performance of the song. The rendition moved his fellow judges, bringing them to tears. However, the moment became even more poignant when Jones shared the inspiration behind the song—it was a tribute to his wife, Melinda Trenchard, who lost her battle with cancer in 2016.
Reflecting on his wife’s strength, Jones recounted, “When my wife was dying of lung cancer, she told me not to crumble, not to falter. She reassured me that I had done everything I could and that I must carry on doing what I do. When I heard this song, it felt as though it was written for our situation. It’s a beautiful song.”
The other judges, including Anne-Marie, Olly Murs, and will.i.am, were visibly moved by the performance. Anne-Marie, overwhelmed with emotion, had to leave the set in tears. Speaking about Jones, she expressed, “I had to walk off, not because it was bad, but because it was so emotionally charged. This is a testament to him and why he has been able to sustain his career for so long—he pours his heart and soul into every word and song he releases.”
Tom Jones and Melinda Trenchard’s love story began in their youth when they met. Recalling their early days, Jones fondly remembers being captivated by Melinda’s beauty and charm. They started dancing together at the age of 15 and eventually got married at just 16 years old. They welcomed a son soon after and remained devoted to each other for the next 59 years.
Although their marriage wasn’t without its challenges, with Jones known for his extramarital affairs during his heyday as a sex symbol, the couple had an understanding. Melinda chose to remain faithful despite his infidelity. In an interview on The Jonathan Ross Show, Jones acknowledged this, saying, “[The affairs were] never discussed, I was never put on the spot. Linda is a wonderful person, and she would never put me on the spot. She loves being married to me, and I love being married to her.” In a rare interview, Melinda reportedly expressed her deep love for Tom, stating, “I feel alive when he comes through the door, regardless of the time of day or night.”
In 2016, Melinda passed away after a brief but intense battle with lung cancer. Left heartbroken, Tom Jones initially questioned his ability to continue singing. He explained, “After my wife’s passing, I didn’t think I could sing. When you’re overwhelmed with emotions, your voice closes up. There were certain songs I couldn’t perform. But I had to gain perspective. I learned to channel my emotions and incorporate them into my songs. It took me some time, a few months, to see if I could sing again. I gathered my musicians and tried a few songs, but it was an incredibly emotional experience.”
Despite the loss of his beloved wife, Tom Jones has continued to persevere and pour his heart into his music. However, he has faced health challenges in recent years. In 2018, he had to cancel two shows due to a bacterial infection that led to hospitalization. Currently, Jones is awaiting an operation as he struggles with a bad hip, and he now walks with the aid of a stick. During his recent tour in the UK, he has made adjustments to his performances on stage. He shared, “I can perform about four songs while standing, and then I start experiencing pain. In my dressing room, I have an inversion table where I go upside down for a couple of minutes. It helps temporarily, allowing me to perform those few songs. But eventually, the pain sets in.”
Despite the challenges he faces, Tom Jones continues to inspire audiences with his resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to his craft. His music and his enduring love for his late wife remain a testament to the power of art and the profound impact of love and loss in our lives.
