George Michael

Pop singer George Michael has died at the age of 53. WENN.com reports that Michael died in his sleep at his home in Oxfordshire, England on Christmas day.

George’s rep issued a press release confirming his death on Sunday.

“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 statement reads.

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

George is best known as one half of the Grammy-winning 1980s duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley.

Their hit singles “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper” scored back-to-back #1s on the U.S. and UK charts in 1984. A 3rd single, “Freedom”, off the album Make It Big also went to #1 on the UK chart and #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US.

Wham! broke up in 1986 after Michael complained about the overwhelming attention Ridgeley received from the fans and the media. He later said Ridgeley didn’t even sing on any of their songs in their studio.

George had a history health problems including a recent bout with pneumonia that was complicated by his drug addiction. He was admitted to a drug rehab facility in Switzerland in September 2015.

WENN.com — According to the BBC, Thames Valley Police confirmed South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Goring in Oxfordshire at 13:42 on Sunday (25Dec).

The cause of death has not been disclosed, but police say there were no suspicious circumstances.

Grammy Award winner George found fame in the ‘80s with pop group Wham, before embarking on a successful solo career.

Twitter tributes have been pouring in, with Duran Duran’s account posting: “2016 – loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael’s family.”