Former Wham! Singer George Michael Dies At 53, Stars React

By Shakiel Mahjouri. 25 Dec 2016 6:55 PM

English singer-songwriter and former Wham! member George Michael has passed away at the age of 53 due to heart failure.

The cause of death was confirmed by the singer’s longtime manager Michael Lippman, who says Michael was found on Christmas morning — per The Hollywood Reporter.

The recording artist’s publicist told The Sun that Michael died peacefully in his home: “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,” the publicist added.

The Thames Valley Police described the death as unexplained, but had no suspicions in a statement obtained by ET Canada: “At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious,” the statement continued. “A post mortem will be undertaken in due course. There will be no further updates from Thames Valley Police until the post mortem has taken place.”

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The musician sold more than 80 million record as part of Wham! Stars from all corners of entertainment are reacting to the heartbreaking tragedy on social media:

Unbelievable.
RIP George Michael.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 25, 2016

Sad to hear about George Michael's passing. He was a big inspiration. https://t.co/uUmnuHOkVc

— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) December 25, 2016

Had the pleasure of knowing George Michael in the 80s. Voice of an angel. Now he can sing for them.

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 26, 2016

#RIPGeorgeMichael. You were an absolute genius. My sincerest condolences go out to your family, David, Michael and your whole team

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— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) December 26, 2016

I was just at his home the morning of our last @CHICorg show on Dec 23rd in London. I'm stunned #RIPGeorgeMichael My heartfelt condolences.

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) December 26, 2016

absolutely devastated about george michael. what a fucked up way to end this year. rest in peace my friend….

— Belinda Carlisle (@belindaofficial) December 26, 2016

Waking up to the sad news of George Michael's passing. An incredible talent taken far too soon. pic.twitter.com/MuTlPxEDSk

— Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) December 26, 2016

I can't deal with this. One of my ALL TIME favorites. RIP George Michael and I really hate writing that so much. https://t.co/1cRJBMgYga

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) December 25, 2016

2016 – loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael's family. pic.twitter.com/3h4xqEDXR9

— Duran Duran (@duranduran) December 25, 2016

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RIP George Michael:( One of the greats gone. Not many ultra talented superstars left. He was a true undeniable mega presence & inspiration.

— reggie watts (@reggiewatts) December 26, 2016

Another beautiful voice gone too soon. #ripgeorgemichael

— josh groban (@joshgroban) December 26, 2016

God Bless George Michael , Say a prayer for him . A nice human .
M

— Meat Loaf (@RealMeatLoaf) December 25, 2016

My god. Rest in paradise @GeorgeMichael–an icon, an ally, a legend. pic.twitter.com/MfxPVFG0B2

— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) December 25, 2016

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) December 26, 2016

10 Christmases ago today James Brown died. Today, George Michael… RIP…

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) December 26, 2016

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Rest peacefully George Micheal so sad

— Cheryl (@CherylOfficial) December 26, 2016

Wow. RIP George Michael pic.twitter.com/sVgRYnfm6J

— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) December 25, 2016

Farewell My Friend! Another Great Artist leaves us. Can 2016 Fuck Off NOW? pic.twitter.com/aEGIUNSJbt

— Madonna (@Madonna) December 26, 2016

R.I.P George Michael. Beyond sad, you were a legend, and you were far too young. Blasting "Last Christmas" now

— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) December 25, 2016

This Christmas is beautiful yet sad as I remember @GeorgeMichael and his amazing talent and the beauty he created with songs.

— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) December 26, 2016

R.I.P. George Michael…
Thankful for the music…

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— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) December 26, 2016

So sad about George Michael. Truly one of the greatest songwriters.

— Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) December 26, 2016

GEORGE MICHAEL WHAT!?!?!!?!?!!?

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) December 25, 2016

Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You've found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 25, 2016

Another fine musical talent gone–RIP, George Michael. Spent Christmas evening dancing around to "Before You Go-Go." Damn you, 2016.

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) December 26, 2016

Another incredible talent gone. Thank you for all the music Mr George Michael. Thoughts with your family and friends…

— Disclosure (@disclosure) December 25, 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

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— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016

Oh God no …I love you George …Rest In Peace x

— Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) December 26, 2016

Stunned. George Michael. A talented and gentle soul. May you rest in Gods love and Peace #RIPGeorgeMichael

— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) December 26, 2016

What a year… RIP GEORGE MICHAEL …

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 25, 2016

I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.

— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016

The bravery of George Michael. Please let 2017 bring the individuals, freaks, mavericks and those with love in their hearts for all. X pic.twitter.com/tsAqlBjFeu

— Gwendoline Christie (@lovegwendoline) December 26, 2016

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RIP George Michael. Gone too soon.

— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) December 25, 2016

R.I.P George Michael. Beyond sad, you were a legend, and you were far too young. Blasting "Last Christmas" now

— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) December 25, 2016

So saddened to hear about the passing of George Michael today. He was a truly gifted singer and a musical inspiration. #RIPGeorgeMichael

— Nick Lachey (@NickLachey) December 25, 2016

i bought (& worshipped) Listen Without Prejudice on my 15th birthday. this song readied me for Stevie Wonder… https://t.co/a3gnL9DnfT…

— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) December 25, 2016

Been rehearsing for the Florence symphonic concert for the past few hours and got a text whilst singing, that George Michael had passed

— MIKA (@mikasounds) December 25, 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

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— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) December 25, 2016

RIP George Michael

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 25, 2016

I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 25, 2016

George Michael is a legend why have we lost so many legends this year Life's too short X

— Rebecca Ferguson (@RebeccaFMusic) December 25, 2016

He sold more than 100 million albums but to us George Michael remains a personal inspiration and a man who is… https://t.co/f90QAjoRuj

— BLUE (@officialblue) December 25, 2016

George Michael has died, Thames Valley Police and his publicist say.

— Roland Hughes (@hughesroland) December 25, 2016

Omg #GeorgeMichael noooo! No No No No No! We have lost too many beautiful souls this year. #rip you will be greatly missed.

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— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) December 25, 2016

So sad to hear @GeorgeMichael passed away today. Loved his music and his heart. #LastChristmas #RIP

— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) December 25, 2016