'Downton Abbey' Star Michelle Dockery's Boyfriend, John Dineen, Dies At 34

"Downton Abbey" star Michelle Dockery's boyfriend, John Dineen, has died after reportedly battling a rare form of cancer . He was 34. 

According to ITV News,  Dineen died Sunday morning at a hospice in Cork, Ireland, just two days before Dockery's 34 birthday. 

"The family is very grateful for the support and kindness they have received but would kindly request that they are left to grieve in private," Dockery's spokesperson said in a statement to ITV News. 

Dineen, a senior director at London-based FTI consulting, began dating Dockery after her "Downton Abbey" co-star Allen Leech introduced them in September 2013 . Some reports say the couple was engaged .

Dockery was recently in the United States  to promote the final season of "Downton Abbey," but reportedly flew to Ireland to be by Dineen's bedside.

According to E! News,  a private funeral will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 16. 

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