George Michael has died at the age of 53.
The pop legend passed away at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, South East England, on Christmas Day.
George’s publicist confirmed the sad news, saying in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period. The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”
At the time of writing no other details about George’s death are known.
George – who had battled alcohol and drug issues in his life – began his career as one half of duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley best known for hits such as ‘Club Tropicana’, ‘Careless Whisper’ and festive classic ‘Last Christmas’.
The singer – real name Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou – then went on to become one of the world’s biggest solo stars in a career that spanned across four decades.
George previously had a major health scare in late 2011 when he contracted pneumonia but after being treated at a Vienna hospital he made a recovery but later admitted it had been “touch and go” whether he lived.
The news of his tragic death has prompted tributes from some of the ‘Fast Love’ hitmaker’s famous friends and pop peers:
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“Project Runway” judge Nina Garcia tweeted: “I still believe that music is one of the greatest gifts that God gave to man. RIP George Michael.”
The singers’s surprise death left fans and celebrities in shock with even unlikely friends like actor Russell Crowe paying tribute. He tweeted “RIP George Michael” as soon as news of George’s demise hit social media.
Christy Turlington thanked George after he paid homage to her and the other muses of 1990s designers in “Freedom ‘90”. The music video featured supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, and Cindy Crawford as well lip-synching to his lyrics.
Dwayne Johnson also took to Twitter to send out his condolences to the singer’s family. “So sorry to hear about George Michael’s passing. Brilliant icon. “Kissing a fool” one of my all time faves. Strength and light to his family,” he tweeted.
“I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael’s death,” Ellen DeGeneres tweeted. “He was such a brilliant talent. I’m so sad.”
“I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend — the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist,” wrote Elton John as he shared a photo of himself and Michael on Instagram. “My heart goes out to his family, friends and all of his fans.”
Games Of Thrones actor Gwendoline Christie seem to have blamed 2016 for all the celebrity deaths we’ve had to deal with this year. She captioned her Instagram tribute: “George Michael – Rest in peace brilliant legend. I despair 2016. Thank you for all the ecstatic joy. Xxxxxx”
Michael Jackson’s youngest sister, La Toya, also paid her respects to the late George Micheal on Twitter saying “You have given the world an amazing gift! What a talent! What a loss!”.
Linda Evangelista, who starred in the music video for Michael’s iconic “Freedom! ’90,” shared a black-and-white photo with the singer on Instagram. “I am beyond heartbroken and devastated by another tragic loss,” she captioned the pic. “R.I.P. dearest Georgy.”
Lindsay Lohan paid tribute on Instagram: “My love. My spirit and my heart is with you and your loved ones. In your beautiful words — ‘I think you’re amazing.’ You’re my friend for saying you would sing at my wedding…. we will speak through our prayers always — i have you as an angel above. I love you darling. Thank you for inspiring so many true people. Angel.”