World-famous English singer, songwriter and record producer George Michael, who started his career in the 1980s as part of the duo Wham!, has “passed away peacefully at home,” British media reports state, citing Michael's publicist.
"It is with great sadness that we can confirm that our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period," the publicist's statement said, according to the BBC.
Michael’s family “would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time,” the statement shared by BNO news added.
Michael died of heart failure, longtime manager Michael Lippman confirmed the news to Billboard, adding that there was "no foul play whatsoever."
Thames Valley Police said in a statement that they discovered the singer at a property in Goring-on-Thames shortly before 2:00pm Christmas Day.
"Sadly, a 53-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene. At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious," the statement read, adding that authorities are now awaiting a postmortem.
Michael performed with the band 'Wham!' from 1981 to 1986. He left the band in 1986 to start a successful solo career which earned him two Grammy awards.
Michael won his first Grammy in 1987 for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance with the song "I Knew You Were Waiting". In 1989, his album "Faith" secured the singer his second Grammy for Album of the Year.
The singer, whose real name is Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, sold more than 100 million albums throughout his career which spanned more than three decades.