George Michael has passed away, aged 53.
He died from heart failure, according to a statement made by his manager Michael Lippman to UK-based Press Association.
The South Central Ambulance Service was called to his Oxfordshire property at 13:42 on Christmas Day; Michael is said to have “passed away peacefully at home”.
A statement issued by the late-vocalist’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.”
Thames Valley Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances.
Michael was forced to cancel a world tour in 2011 after contracting pneumonia. He said the health scare almost killed him, and was “touch and go”.
It is touching that Michael passed away on Christmas Day (London time) considering his modern holiday classic ‘Last Christmas’, would have been on high rotation in many households around the world during the past 24 hours. Although the song is already tinged with a certain sadness, today it takes on a different meaning.
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