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An acclaimed sculptor and son-in-law of late TV star Bruce Forsyth has died suddenly, leaving his family "shattered".
Dominic Grant, who had lived in Ramsgate for the past 12 years, suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm on Wednesday. He was 71.
Mr Grant was a celebrated artist in the town and had just completed a 14ft statue of George IV, which was due to be installed next year for the 200th anniversary of Ramsgate being awarded Royal Harbour Status.
He launched the project in 2018, keen to leave his own legacy to the town by creating a sculpture to overlook the harbour.
The sculptor, who had a studio in one of the arches on Military Road, right next to the seafront, was also lead singer in 70s group Guys n' Dolls.
He sold more than three million albums with his wife Julie, the daughter of legendary entertainer Bruce Forsyth, who were known together as Grant and Forsyth.
His devastated wife released a statement saying the family had lost their “shining star.”
"It is with such great sadness that I have to tell you I have lost my darling Dominic, suddenly on Wednesday, November 18, to an abdominal aortic aneurysm," she said.
"He was an amazing husband, father, brother and brand new grandad. My heart is shattered.
"He was kind and strong and always the life and soul of the party.
"His distinctive, beautiful voice will live on forever – I couldn’t have loved him more and don’t quite know what our family will do without him… he was our shining star."
Mr Grant had always sketched during his busy music career, which started in the late 1960s, and he started to experiment with clay sculpture of his wife, son and daughter in the early 1980s.
His talent was soon noticed and he became an acclaimed artist, with his work exhibited around the world.
Two years ago he started the project for the creation of a larger than life-sized statue of George IV, who granted Ramsgate royal status in 1821.
He donated all of his time and skills to create the statue as a labour of love for his hometown.
