‘Downton Abbey’ Star Michelle Dockery Releases Statement After The Death Of Her Fiancé John Dineen

Michelle Dockery’s fiancé, John Dineen, has died. According to reports, the commercial public relations executive died Sunday morning at the Marymount Hospice in Cork, Ireland. The “Downton Abbey” star was said to be at his bedside during his death. Dineen was 34 years old.

Dockery has since released a statement through her publicist following her fiancé’s death, which was caused by a rare form of cancer, People magazine reports. The actress, who celebrates her 34th birthday Tuesday, stated her gratitude to the public for their “support and kindness” during the difficult time.

"The family is very grateful for the support and kindness they have received but would kindly request that they are left to grieve in private," the statement read.

According to E! Online, a private funeral service is expected to occur on Wednesday, Dec. 16, in Cork.

Dockery and the Dineen, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, began dating in September 2013. Although the actress tried her best to stayed tight-lipped about her relationship with Dineen, she couldn’t help but gush in a 2014 interview that she had a “wonderful man” in her life from Ireland.

"We were introduced by Allen Leech," she said, revealing that her fellow “Downton Abbey” co-star was the one who set her up with Dineen. "That's all you need to know."

Prior to flying to Ireland to spend time with her ailing fiancé, Dockery was promoting her critically acclaimed PBS drama, which premieres Jan. 3, in America, alongside Leech. The two appeared on both “The Last Show With Stephen Colbert” and on Andy Cohen’s Bravo series “Watch What Happens Live,” sharing laughs and taking on American accents.