Grammy-winning singer Jack Jones dies aged 86

Jack Jones, a Grammy-winning singer known for The Love Boat television show theme song, has died aged 86.

Jones died on Wednesday night at a hospital in Rancho Mirage, California, after battling leukaemia for more than two years, according to a statement from his manager, Milt Suchin.

He began his singing career in the 1950s, and in the 1960s won two Grammy Awards for best vocal performance, one on the song Lollipops And Roses and one for Wives And Lovers.

He was nominated for several other Grammys in later years, including for the album Jack Jones Paints A Tribute To Tony Bennett in 1999.

In 1980, his Love Boat television show theme song rose to number 37 on the Billboard US Adult Contemporary songs chart.

Jones was also a frequent guest on the popular romantic comedy show in which guest stars, ranging from Gene Kelly to Janet Jackson, would come aboard for a cruise and fall in love with one another.

A social media account for The Ed Sullivan Show, an American television variety show that aired for decades, posted on X on Thursday that Jones lit up the show with smooth vocals and unforgettable performances.

“His music will forever inspire us,” the post said. “Thank you for the memories, Jack. Rest in peace.”