Dean Franklin, a talented singer who garnered attention as a contestant on The Voice U.K. in 2016, has tragically passed away at the age of 36 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. His family shared the heartbreaking news via Instagram, announcing that he died on February 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
The family expressed their grief, stating, “With broken hearts, we announce that our precious Dean, who fought so courageously for 8 weeks and 3 days, passed away at 21:39.” They conveyed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during such a difficult time, promising to share more details when able.
Franklin publicly revealed his diagnosis of stage 4 oesophageal cancer in December. In a poignant Instagram video, he shared his determination to fight the disease, declaring, “I’m going to fight ’cause I’m stronger than I give myself credit for.” His last update on January 30 came from a hospital bed, where he encouraged others to heed their bodies’ signals, reflecting on his own experience that symptoms only appeared once the cancer had spread to his liver.
Franklin’s mother also paid tribute to him on social media, expressing her gratitude for the support he received. She recounted a touching moment following his passing when his sister lit a candle at 9:39 PM—an exact tribute to the time of Dean’s death. She described how the candle mysteriously reignited, adding a sense of comfort amidst their sorrow.
The funeral service for Dean Franklin is scheduled for March 6 at 12 PM at The Park Crematorium in Plymouth. His family welcomes anyone who knew him to pay their respects, suggesting that attendees wear their favorite statement hat to honor his unique spirit. Additionally, they mentioned that a separate celebration of his life would be arranged in London for his wider circle of supporters at a later date.
The legacy of Dean Franklin will undoubtedly live on through his music and the love he shared with those around him, serving as a reminder of the strength and resilience he exhibited even in his final days.