Former Wham! singer George Michael dies at age 53

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8 years ago

FILE PHOTO British singer George Michael performs on stage during his "Symphonica" tour concert in Berlin September 5, 2011. REUTERS/Tobias Schwarz/File photo FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY

In this 2004 file photo, singer George Michael is seen. Photo by James Dimmock

In this 1988 file photo, singer George Michael is seen.

In this June 11, 1988 file photo, singer George Michael performs during Saturday’s Rockfest at Wembley Stadium in London. (AP Photo/Gillian Allen)

In this 1987 file photo, singer George Michael, left, performs with Boy George during Stand By Me AIDS Day Benefit Concert.

In this April 4, 1989 file photo, singer George Michael clutches a bottle of red wine in one hand and his Ivor Novello Award in the other at a presentation ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. Michael won the award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, who voted his 1987 album"Faith", international hit of the year. ( AP file photo)

FILE – In this April 7, 1985 file photo, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley of the British group WHAM! perform during a concert in Peking, China. Michael, who rocketed to stardom with WHAM! and went on to enjoy a long and celebrated solo career lined with controversies, has died, his publicist said Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016. He was 53. (AP Photo)

FILE – In this Monday, Jan. 31, 1989 file photo, George Michael accepts one of his three American Music Awards during ceremonies in Los Angeles. Michael, who rocketed to stardom with WHAM! and went on to enjoy a long and celebrated solo career lined with controversies, has died, his publicist said Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016. He was 53. (AP Photo/Alan Greth)

FILE – In this Monday, Oct. 18, 1993, file photo, pop star George Michael, 30, outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London at the start of his court action against Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd. Michael, who rocketed to stardom with WHAM! and went on to enjoy a long and celebrated solo career lined with controversies, has died, his publicist said Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016. He was 53. (AP Photo/Alistair Grant, File)

FILE – In this Oct. 28, 1993, file photo, pop star George Michael arrives to give evidence at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Michael was petitioning the court to release him from his contract with Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd. Michael, who rocketed to stardom with WHAM! and went on to enjoy a long and celebrated solo career lined with controversies, has died, his publicist said Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016. He was 53. (AP Photo/Alistair Grant)

FILE – In this Dec. 2, 1993 file photo, George Michael performs at "Concert of Hope" to mark World AIDS Day at London’s Wembley Arena. According to a publicist on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, the singer has died at the age of 53. (AP Photo/Gill Allen)

British singer George Michael performs on stage during his "Symphonica" tour concert in Vienna September 4, 2012. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader

FILE PHOTO: British singer George Michael performs on the first night of the British leg of his tour at the MEN Arena in Manchester, northern England, November 17, 2006. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo

FILE PHOTO British singer George Michael poses for photographers before a news conference at the Royal Opera House in central London May 11, 2011. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth/File Photo

LOS ANGELES — George Michael, the pop artist and former member of the group Wham!, has died at the age of 53.

The singer “passed away peacefully at his home,” according to a statement from his publicist provided to the BBC.

“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,” read the statement.

“The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”

Michael, whose real name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, formed duo Wham! with schoolfriend Andrew Ridgeley; their hits included “Club Tropicana” and “Last Christmas.” He later went solo, with his first solo album, “Faith,” becoming a huge success. He sold more than 100 million albums over almost four decades.