Michael Flatley and Niamh O'Brien had a showbiz love story.
The American Irish "Lord of the Dance" choreographer revealed the death of his longtime wife and former collaborator with an emotional tribute
on social media Monday, Oct. 5. O'Brien, who was 52, died peacefully at Beacon Hospital in Dublin after an illness, a representative confirmed in a separate statement, according to BBC News.
"My gorgeous bride of 20 years has gone to the Lord in Heaven," Flatley, 68, wrote alongside a photo of O'Brien. "She was the most loving mother, wife and person, and our lives will never be the same without her."
Here's what to know about the couple's famous family.
Who was Michael Flatley's wife, Niamh O'Brien?
O'Brien grew up a performer, learning the art of Irish dance at the age of 3 and being mentored by the world-renowned Irish dancing teacher Marie Duffy Pask, according to O'Brien's IMDb page.
She began dating Flatley in June 2006 after performing in several of the dancer's productions. O'Brien played the lead role of Saoirse in Flatley's famed dance musical "Lord of the Dance."
"Niamh was one of my best friends, a real rock of support to me, and I think there had always been a chemistry between us, but the timing was never right," Flatley told Hello! magazine in a 2007 interview.
Four months after their initial romance, the couple married in October 2006, tying the knot in a ceremony at St. Patrick's Church in Fermoy, Ireland.
"I'll tell you what, it was worth waiting for this woman," Flatley told Hello. "The best thing is that she knows every flaw I have − and God knows I have enough of them − and she still loves me. She's the most beautiful girl in the world, both inside and out, as well as being highly intelligent, sincere and loyal."
Michael Flatley and Niamh O'Brien's children
Flatley and O'Brien shared one child, son Michael St. James. The couple welcomed their son in April 2007, six months after getting married.
Michael Flatley gets candid on wife Niamh O'Brien
During his 2007 interview with Hello! magazine, Flatley reflected on the emotional impact of his relationship with O'Brien.
"It's a beautiful feeling of contentment to have found that one person who I can always count on, who I know can always count on me," Flatley said. "Forget the houses, yachts, money and success; it doesn't buy you happiness, and it ultimately means nothing without real love. Niamh's the missing piece in my life."
Contributing: Sameen Chaudhry, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michael Flatley grieves wife Niamh's death. What to know about their family
