Former Wham! star George Michael has passed away, his publicist has revealed.
The 53 year old died on Christmas Day at his home in Goring, Oxfordshire, the BBC reported.
“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 revealed the news through a statement via his publicist.
“The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”
The singer reportedly died due to heart failure.
George Michael rose to fame in the 80’s with Wham!, alongside Andrew Ridgeley – before finding more success as a solo artist.
The singer, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, has sold more than a 100 million records worldwide and is one of the highest selling British acts of all time. His hits included ‘Last Christmas’. ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ and ‘Careless Whisper’. He won two Grammys, three Brit Awards and numerous other accolades throughout his extensive career.