LONDON (AP) — The Irish fiance of "Downton Abbey" star Michelle Dockery has died after a long illness. He was 34.

Public relations director John Dineen died Sunday at a hospice in Cork, Ireland. A spokeswoman for the actress appealed for privacy.

John Waples of FTI Consulting, the firm Dineen worked for, said "John was an immensely valued colleague and friend and will be sorely missed." He, too, asked "for privacy for his family at this difficult time."

Dockery, who turned 34 on Tuesday, plays Lady Mary Crawley on the hit costume drama, whose final episode is due to air in Britain on Dec. 25. She and Dineen were introduced by Irish "Downton Abbey" star Allen Leech.

Dockery flew back last week from a trip to the U.S. to promote the show.