Introduction

Julia Christina Rea is the younger daughter of the late British rock and blues legend Chris Rea and his wife Joan Rea. Though she has lived largely outside the public eye, her name is deeply embedded in music history — immortalized through her father’s 1993 song “Julia,” written and dedicated to her when she was just four years old.

Interest in Julia Christina Rea has surged following the death of Chris Rea, who passed away peacefully in hospital on December 22, 2025, aged 74, after a short illness. As fans around the world revisit his life and music, attention has naturally turned to the family he cherished most — especially the daughter whose name became a deeply personal musical tribute.

Who Is Julia Christina Rea?

Julia Christina Rea is best known as the daughter of Chris Rea, one of Britain’s most respected singer-songwriters, and Joan Rea, his childhood sweetheart and lifelong partner.

She is the younger sister of Josephine Rea, who was born on 16 September 1983, while Julia was born on 18 March 1989. Both daughters were raised during the height of their father’s global success, yet deliberately shielded from public exposure.

Why Julia Christina Rea Is Relevant Now

Julia Christina Rea has become a subject of renewed public interest following the announcement of Chris Rea’s death. In a statement shared on December 22, his wife Joan and daughters Josephine and Julia confirmed that he died peacefully following a short illness, surrounded by his family.

As tributes pour in and fans revisit Chris Rea’s most emotional songs, “Julia” has taken on new meaning — not just as a track, but as a father’s love letter to his child.

Early Life & Childhood

Born in 1989, Julia Christina Rea spent her early years surrounded by music, creativity, and resilience. Her childhood coincided with a period of major success for Chris Rea, whose albums Road to Hell and Auberge dominated UK charts.

Despite fame, the Rea household was famously private. Chris Rea often spoke about family as his emotional anchor, choosing a grounded home life over celebrity excess.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Julia comes from a close-knit family:

• Father: Chris Rea (1951–2025), born in Middlesbrough

• Mother: Joan Rea, his wife since 1968

• Sister: Josephine Rea (born 1983)

Chris Rea himself was born to an Italian father and an Irish mother, growing up as one of six siblings. That multicultural, working-class upbringing shaped both his worldview and the strong family values he passed on to his daughters.

Education

Details about Julia Christina Rea’s education have never been publicly disclosed — a reflection of the family’s long-standing commitment to privacy. Unlike many children of famous musicians, Julia did not grow up in the media spotlight.

Career or Profession

There is no public record of Julia Christina Rea pursuing a career in music or entertainment. Like her sister Josephine, she appears to have chosen a private life, separate from her father’s fame.

Chris Rea once said that his greatest hope was to leave behind work his daughters could understand — not pop fame, but artistic truth.

Connection to Chris Rea

Julia Christina Rea shares a uniquely personal connection to her father’s legacy.

In October 1993, Chris Rea released the song “Julia” as the lead single from his album Espresso Logic. Written and produced by Rea himself, the song was explicitly dedicated to Julia, who was four years old at the time.

The track stands out in his catalog as one of his most tender compositions — restrained, melodic, and intimate.

Personal Life / Relationships

Julia Christina Rea has never publicly discussed her personal relationships. She remains absent from social media and public interviews, maintaining the same discretion her parents valued.

Net Worth

Julia Christina Rea’s personal net worth is not publicly known. Any inheritance-related speculation following Chris Rea’s death has not been disclosed, and the family has kept financial matters private.

Interesting Facts About Julia Christina Rea

• A hit song was written and named after her when she was four

• She grew up during Chris Rea’s most successful era

• Her father credited his daughters with saving his life after cancer

• She has never pursued public fame

• Her name remains permanently etched in music history

 

Recent News or Updates

Recently, Chris Rea made headlines following his death on December 22, 2025. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully after a short illness.

Julia Christina Rea, alongside her mother Joan and sister Josephine, was with him at the time — marking a quiet, dignified end to a life defined by music and family.

Conclusion

Julia Christina Rea may never step into the spotlight, but her presence is woven deeply into one of Britain’s most enduring musical legacies.

She is not just the daughter of Chris Rea — she is part of the emotional heartbeat behind his work. In the wake of his passing, her name now carries even greater meaning, echoing through a song that continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

FAQs

Who is Julia Christina Rea?
Julia Christina Rea is the younger daughter of British rock and blues singer Chris Rea and his wife Joan Rea.

Is the song “Julia” by Chris Rea about his daughter?
Yes. Chris Rea wrote and dedicated the song “Julia” to his daughter Julia Christina Rea in 1993.

How old is Julia Christina Rea?
Julia Christina Rea was born on March 18, 1989.

Does Julia Christina Rea work in music?
There is no public information suggesting she pursued a music or entertainment career.

What happened to Chris Rea?
Chris Rea died peacefully on December 22, 2025, aged 74, following a short illness.