Michael “passed away peacefully” at home, according to his publicist. His manager Michael Lippman said the singer had died from heart failure in bed, reported Guardian.
“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,” Michael’s publicist said.
Thames Valley police said the death was being treated as “unexplained but not suspicious” and they would not comment further until after a postmortem. The singer’s body was discovered on Christmas morning.
“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,” Police said.
Michael, who rose to fame with his group “Wham!”, was known for hits “Club Tropicana” and “Last Christmas” with his co-member Andrew Ridgeley. He also had a highly successful solo career which included the songs “Careless Whisper”, “Faith,” “Outside” and “Freedom! 90”.
Ridgeley said he was heartbroken at the loss of his beloved friend.
Writing on Twitter and referring to Michael as “Yog”, a nickname for “Yours Only George”, he said, “Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large.
4ever loved. A xx”
Hollywood stars Madonna, Ryan Reynolds, Miley Cyrus, William Shatner, Ellen Degeneres, Robbie Williams among others paid rich tributes to British pop singer.
Pop icon Madonna shared a video on the micro-blogging site of her presenting Michael with the Video Vanguard award at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1989.
“Farewell, my friend. Another great artist leaves us,” she wrote.
“Deadpool” star Reynolds wrote, “George Michael was a kind and gentle soul. #Wham.”
Actress-singer Cyrus thanked Michael for being a brave activist, who fought for LGBTQ equality.
“Miss you already! Thank you for your radical activism in the LGBTQ community! Love you always! @happyhippiefdn.”
Robbie Williams, whose first solo single was a cover of Michael’s song “Freedom”, wrote, “Oh God no… I love you George… Rest In Peace x”.
Singer Nick Lachey tweeted, “So saddened to hear about the passing of George Michael today. He was a truly gifted singer and a musical inspiration. #RIPGeorgeMichael.”
“Star Trek” actor Shatner posted, “Is this year over yet? Too many people are passing away. Rest In Peace, George Michael.”
ABC frontman Martin Fry said, “Absolutely devastated to hear of the loss of @GeorgeMichael Truly brilliant talent #sad #sad #sad.”
Calling the Wham star a brilliant talent, popular talk show host Degeneres said, “I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael’s death. He was such a brilliant talent. I’m so sad.”
While, singer Ricky Gervais expressed shock over Michael’s death by writing, “Unbelievable. RIP George Michael.”
Actor and fellow gay rights activist George Takei paid tribute with Michael’s own song titles, “Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You’ve found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you.
PTI