English vocalist, songwriter and record producer George Michael has "passed away peacefully at home" aged 53, his publicist has said.
BBC reports that his manager, Michael Lippman, said he had died of heart failure. A statement from Michael's publicist read: "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."
Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in 1963, he rose to fame as a member of duo Wham!, eventually starting a lengthy stint as a solo artist. Michael sold over 100 million albums worldwide during a career that spanned more than 30 years.
BBC reports that his manager, Michael Lippman, said he had died of heart failure. A statement from Michael's publicist read: "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."
Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in 1963, he rose to fame as a member of duo Wham!, eventually starting a lengthy stint as a solo artist. Michael sold over 100 million albums worldwide during a career that spanned more than 30 years.