Introduction

Josephine Rea is best known as the daughter of the late British rock and blues legend Chris Rea and his wife Joan Rea. While she has largely lived a private life away from fame, her name holds deep emotional and artistic significance — immortalized through one of her father’s most beloved songs, “Josephine.”

Interest in Josephine Rea has grown following the death of Chris Rea, who passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on December 22, following a short illness, according to his family. As fans reflect on his life, music, and legacy, attention has naturally turned to the people closest to him — especially his daughters, Josephine and her younger sister, Julia Rea.

Who Is Josephine Rea?

Josephine Rea is the eldest daughter of Chris Rea, the Middlesbrough-born singer-songwriter behind classics such as Driving Home for Christmas, The Road to Hell, and On the Beach.

Unlike many celebrity children, Josephine has chosen a life largely outside the public eye, maintaining privacy while remaining deeply connected to her father’s personal and musical world.

She is widely recognized as the inspiration behind Chris Rea’s 1985 song “Josephine,” a track that later became a cult favorite, especially within Balearic and lounge music circles.

Why Josephine Rea Is Relevant Now

Josephine Rea has come into public focus following the death of her father, Chris Rea, whose passing was confirmed by his family in December.

Chris Rea died peacefully in hospital after a short illness, following years of serious health challenges that included pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and a stroke in 2016. His death has led fans to revisit not only his music, but the personal stories behind it — including the loved ones who inspired his most emotional songs.

Early Life & Childhood

Josephine Rea was born in the United Kingdom to Chris Rea and Joan Rea, who began dating as teenagers and later married. She grew up in a close-knit, private family environment, largely shielded from the pressures of celebrity despite her father’s international success.

Her childhood coincided with the peak of Chris Rea’s career in the 1980s and early 1990s, a period when he released chart-topping albums such as The Road to Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991).

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Josephine Rea comes from a deeply rooted family background.

• Father: Chris Rea (1951–2025), rock and blues singer-songwriter

• Mother: Joan Rea, Chris Rea’s lifelong partner and wife

• Sister: Julia Rea

Chris Rea himself was born in Middlesbrough in 1951 to an Italian father and an Irish mother, and he grew up as one of six siblings. Those multicultural roots influenced both his worldview and his music — themes that filtered into the family life Josephine experienced.

Education

Details about Josephine Rea’s education have not been publicly disclosed, reflecting her preference for privacy. Unlike many celebrity children who pursue public creative careers, Josephine appears to have chosen a path outside the entertainment spotlight.

Career or Profession

Josephine Rea is not known to have pursued a public career in music or entertainment. There is no record of her releasing music, acting, or working professionally within the industry tied to her father’s fame.

Her influence instead exists on a more personal and symbolic level — through the emotional legacy left behind in her father’s work.

Connection to Chris Rea

Josephine Rea’s bond with her father is forever preserved in music.

Chris Rea named one of his most intimate songs, “Josephine,” after her. Released in the mid-1980s, the track became one of his most enduring works, particularly embraced in European chill-out and Balearic scenes.

The song is often interpreted as a tender expression of fatherhood, warmth, and devotion — offering a rare glimpse into Chris Rea’s life beyond the stage.

Recently, following Chris Rea’s death, fans have revisited “Josephine” as a tribute, further highlighting the emotional connection between father and daughter.

Personal Life / Relationships

Josephine Rea has kept her personal relationships, marital status, and private life entirely out of the public domain. This discretion aligns with the Rea family’s long-standing approach to fame — valuing privacy over publicity.

Net Worth

Josephine Rea’s personal net worth is not publicly known. She is not believed to have accumulated wealth through public ventures. However, she is a beneficiary of the legacy of one of Britain’s most successful musicians, who sold over 30 million records worldwide.

Interesting Facts About Josephine Rea

• She inspired one of Chris Rea’s most beloved songs, “Josephine.”

• She grew up during the height of her father’s global success.

• Her family maintained a notably private lifestyle despite fame.

• Her father named two hit songs after his daughters — Josephine and Julia.

 

Recent News or Updates

In December, Josephine Rea and her family announced the death of Chris Rea, who died peacefully after a short illness. He had faced serious health challenges for decades, including pancreatic cancer surgery that left him diabetic, and a stroke in 2016.

The family’s statement emphasized his peaceful passing and the enduring power of his music.

Conclusion

Josephine Rea may not live in the public spotlight, but her presence is deeply woven into the emotional fabric of Chris Rea’s music. As the world reflects on the life and death of a rock and blues icon, Josephine stands as a quiet symbol of the love, family, and humanity behind the songs.

Her story reminds fans that behind every legend is a private life — and behind some of the greatest music ever written, a daughter who inspired it.

FAQs

Who is Josephine Rea?
Josephine Rea is the daughter of late British singer-songwriter Chris Rea and his wife Joan Rea.

Is the song “Josephine” about Chris Rea’s daughter?
Yes. Chris Rea named the song after his daughter Josephine.

Who are Josephine Rea’s siblings?
She has one sister, Julia Rea.

What happened to Chris Rea?
Chris Rea died peacefully on December 22 at age 74 following a short illness.

Is Josephine Rea a musician?
No public record suggests that Josephine Rea pursued a music career.