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RIP: George Michael dies ‘peacefully at home’ at the age of 53

George Michael, studio portrait, London, 1987. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)

Note: This post is being continuously updated as new information is confirmed.

There are reports on this Christmas evening that music icon George Michael has died. He was 53.

The Sun reports that the Wham! co-founder and solo artist died “peacefully at home.” A post from the BBC states that “Thames Valley Police said South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Goring in Oxfordshire at 13:42 GMT. Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.”

In a statement, the singer’s publicist has confirmed Michael’s death, releasing the following: “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, who was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, sold more than 80 million records in his illustrious career. Coincidentally, that career included the holiday classic “Last Christmas,” his 1986 hit with Wham! that remains a popular and often-covered song annually at this time of year.

More to come. Featured portrait photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images via Billboard.