Sir Rod Stewart, 80, puts on brave face as he celebrates huge career milestone hours after family loss

Sir Rod Stewart, 80, has shared an upbeat update from across the pond after revealing he’d ticked off his 200th show in Las Vegas.

The iconic rocker published a social media post marking the career achievement on Instagram late on Thursday night – just hours after wife Penny Lancaster confirmed their beloved pet pooch, Bubbles, had died.

Putting on a brave face for his fans in Vegas, Stewart smiled for the cameras at The Colosseum after putting on his 200th show for concertgoers.

The Forever Young singer shared a series of snaps from the night to mark the milestone, writing to his 1.5 million Instagram followers: “Wow! My 200th Las Vegas residency show at @colosseumatcp — absolutely incredible!

Sir Rod Stewart was awarded with a plaque to mark the career achievement

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“What a ride it’s been,” he signed off, prompting floods of supportive messages from members of his fandom.

“Congratulations on your 200th show,” one fan replied before a second weighed in: “Congrats on 200! Is that a Vegas record?”

“Was thrilled to be there for your 200th,” one attendee weighed in, while another concertgoer commented: “We were there!!! Thank you for a remarkable evening.

“We had so much fun! I was the one hooting loudly and obviously enjoying herself! Amazing performance.” (sic

While the occasion was clearly a night of celebration for Stewart and those around him, it was a day of bittersweet news for the singer and his family.

Hours before Stewart posted the news on his Instagram page, Lancaster, 53, had taken to the same platform to confirm the death of the family’s pet.

Lancaster shared a poignant snap of the clouds from the window of a plane as she typed: “Our fur baby Bubbles.

“I still think you left too soon but I’m thankful for your time.

“Heaven’s lucky to have you and so was I,” she signed off, followed by a love heart emoji.

Earlier this month, Lancaster was inundated with supportive messages after she had broken the news that her beloved pooch had been diagnosed with cancer.

In another heartfelt post, the Loose Women star penned: “My fur babies, my gifts from up above, my angels on earth, you warm my heart and lift my spirits.

“Bubbles our curly one has been diagnosed with cancer and although his recent surgery was successful, sadly it’s spread.

Our Lilly from @battersea keeps him company and never leaves his side and the two of them never leave my side. Companions for live, for as long as that life will be and I feel blessed for every moment I spend with them.” (sic)

Stewart’s 200th Vegas show will undoubtedly live long in the memory of the singer, but it was another performance earlier this month that hit headlines too.

Earlier this week, Stewart was able to perform with his daughter Ruby, 37, on stage, much to the delight of attendees.

The duo took on a rendition of Stewart’s classic hit Forever Young, a song that holds extra significance to the rocker for its familial meaning.