British songwriter George Michael who sold over 10 million album copies has died around 2p.m. on Christmas Day in his home at Goring in Oxfordshire, England at age 53.
Michael first shot to fame with the 1980s duo Wham! which produced big hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper.”
His family confirmed his passing with a statement released by Britain’s Thames Valley Police, “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.”
Condolences are pouring through social media, with many stars like Elton John and Ellen DeGeneres, expressing their grief.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOdVz_XFmD-/?taken-by=eltonjohn
Miss you already! Thank you for your radical activism in the LGBTQ community! Love you always! @happyhippiefdn pic.twitter.com/nBCxjEstDo
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) 26 December 2016
Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) 26 December 2016
RIP George Michael. I can’t believe it. Such an incredible singer and a lovely human being, far too young to leave us #georgemichael
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) 25 December 2016
I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael‘s death. He was such a brilliant talent. I’m so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) 25 December 2016
RIP, you pop superstar.
