Sir Tom Jones, 85, issues heartfelt statement as he marks ‘special’ milestone with ‘inspirational’ friend

Sir Tom Jones has been met with a flood of supportive comments following his latest post, a throwback snap to mark a “special milestone”.

The 85-year-old Welsh singer took to Instagram on Wednesday to share an old photo of himself and singing legend, Stevie Wonder.

The black and white image shows the two singers as young men, with Wonder, now 75, grinning as Jones appears to be singing.

The crooner penned in the caption: “A (belated) special milestone day for the most gifted songwriter, musician and singer ever to reside on this planet!

“Hugely influential across decades of pop music and a beautiful man, there is only one Stevie Wonder. Happy Birthday Stevie!! Love, Tom Jones.”

Fans also took the opportunity to wish the Superstition singer a happy birthday in the comments, where they also gushed over the photo.

One wrote: “My two favourite singers Stevie Wonder 75 years and next month Tom Jones 85 years. For you, Stevie , your own song. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!”

“Y’all are greater together, it would be awesome to see y’all sing together again,” another suggested hopefully.

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“Belated Happy birthday to Stevie Wonder. A remarkable singer and musician!!” someone else shared.

Another fan penned: “Happy 75 birthday Stevie Wonder. Well said Sir Tom. A lifetime of memories held in your music. Great photo. Happy days indeed.”

“Happy birthday Stevie Wonder. Exceptional singer. Tom, we know of your friendship and admiration for Steve. Two greats, TJ and EW. We love you, legend,” shared one Instagram user.

One more added: “Happy Birthday To Stieve @realsirtomjones and Stieve. Your Frindship Forever. This is Tom jones & This is Stieve Wonder. What a Great Both.” (sic)

Earlier this month, Jones broke his silence following fellow The Voice judge LeAnn Rimes’ announcement to step down from the singing show.

The Can’t Fight the Moonlight hitmaker decided to leave the panel of the talent show to focus on her career in America, it’s believed.

The 42-year-old singer joined the UK show last year alongside Will.i.am, Sir Tom and McFly’s Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher.

She previously served as a coach on The Voice Australia, winning that season with her act Reuben De Melo.

A source said of the decision: “LeAnn loved her time on the UK show, but wants to focus on her career in the States. She was hugely popular with cast and crew and everybody loved having her as part of the team.”

Sir Tom soon returned to Instagram, but rather than comment on Rimes and her decision to quit the ITV show, the Sexbomb hitmaker shared some more positive news.

He posted a series of complimentary posts from concertgoers who’d attended a gig he’d performed in New Orleans recently.

Ignoring Rimes’s departure, Jones instead published a post from a fan who penned: “Tom Jones was AMAZING!!! He performed for 2 hours straight & his voice was still as strong & clear as always. He will be 85 next month!!! If he comes near you run don’t walk!!!!! @realsirtomjones @saengernola #tomjones #nola #concert.”