A 65-year-old singer-songwriter whose music fuses punk and Irish rebelliousness has died

 Pogues frontman Shane McGowan has died at the age of 65 after being hospitalized after being diagnosed with encephalitis.

 The singer-songwriter, whose hits include 1987's ``Fairy Tale of New York'' and ``A Pair of Brown Eyes,'' had been unwell for some time.

 It is well documented that McGowan also had drug and alcohol problems.

 His wife Victoria Mary Clark said on Instagram that McGowan "meant the world to me.

" She wrote: "I don't know what to say  so I'll just  say it.

" Shane...is gone  with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese.

 Obituary: Musician Famous for Music and Excess Life is Too Interesting: Shane McGowan She Said McGowan ``You will always be the light  before my eyes and the light of my dreams'' Be the measure, the love of my life, the most beautiful soul, the most beautiful angel, the sun and the moon, and the beginning and the end of all things.

 A statement from McGowan's spokesperson confirmed that McGowan "passed away peacefully at 3:30 a.m. this morning (November 30), surrounded by his wife and sister.

" "During his death, prayers and  last rites were read," he added.

 She announced on November 22 that Ms. Clark had been discharged from the hospital, and  a few days later she  celebrated her wedding anniversary, saying that she was grateful that "she was still alive."