Just when it seemed that 2016 was done with felling some of the world's most revered pop culture icons, it's taken away George Michael, at the age of 53, on Christmas Day of all days.
Social media has flooded with tributes from celebrity friends and fans alike who will no doubt be listening to Wham's festive season hit Last Christmas with new sadness today.
![Iconic duo: Elton John and George Michael](/web/20161226120005im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/h/z/y/c/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gthwwt.png/1482729768534.jpg)
In a statement released Monday morning, his publicist wrote, "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."
According to UK's AP, his manager Michael Lippman revealed that the star died from heart failure at his home in Gorring, England.
Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, the founder of iconic group Wham! sold over 80 million records worldwide and was nominated for eight Grammy Awards (with two received), winning the hearts of many over nearly four decades of songwriting and performance.
Close friend Elton John led the tributes by A-listers, who expressed their deep shock and grief on social media.
"I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist," he wrote in an Instagram post.
Referring to Michael as "YOG", a nickname for "Yours Only George," former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley said he was "heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend".
Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016
The outpouring of grief has come from friends, collaborators and celebrities, with the strong reaction to Michael's prolific effect on others in the industry and beyond.
British comedian Ricky Gervais simply posted "unbelievable," a sentiment held by most who have expressed the loss of the star was "too young, too soon."
I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 25, 2016
As a strong advocate for LGBT rights, many in the community have expressed their gratitude towards Michael's abilities to change perspectives on sexuality through his work, including transgender actress Laverne Cox.
I literally was watching this over and over again last week getting ready. #RIPGeorgeMichael https://t.co/jdK7s3gwWG
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) December 25, 2016
DJ Mark Ronson said that Michael's work was never "materialised," a key factor that differentiated him from many artists emerging in today's industry.
Actress Gwendoline Christie said that Michael's fight to not conform to the "polite, desexualised notion of gay" when he "came-out" was a testament to the groundbreaking individual he was, changing ideas and perspectives with his actions.
The bravery of George Michael. Please let 2017 bring the individuals, freaks, mavericks and those with love in their hearts for all. X pic.twitter.com/tsAqlBjFeu
— Gwendoline Christie (@lovegwendoline) December 26, 2016
Michael was the first celebrity to join James Corden for Carpool Karaoke, which has now become a popular fixture in the talk show host's show. He and a host of other celebrities have also paid tribute to the star.
I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.
— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016
So sorry to hear of the passing of George Michael. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.
— Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) December 25, 2016
My god. Rest in paradise @GeorgeMichael--an icon, an ally, a legend. pic.twitter.com/MfxPVFG0B2
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) December 25, 2016
Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You've found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 25, 2016
George... you inspired, you filled the room with no apology and filled my childhood with such moments of magnificence... thank you x Stella pic.twitter.com/Tpp3CVpgrx
— Stella McCartney (@StellaMcCartney) December 26, 2016
Michael's battle with pneumonia 2011 left him with psychological trauma, cancelling his Australian tour in 2012 due to "anxiety".
"Since last year's illness I have tried in vain to work my way through the trauma that the doctors who saved my life warned me I would experience," he wrote in a statement on his website.
However his worked continued to make waves in the contemporary music industry, noted with the re-release of the music video for Freedom! with the next generation of supermodels Adriana Lima, Joan Smalls, Taylor Hill and Irina Shayk taking the places of Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Naomi Campbell.
It is understood that Michael had recently rekindled his relationship with partner of 13-years (the pair split in 2009), Texan art dealer Kenny Goss, and had been working on a comeback record with producer UK producer Naughty Boy, who helped launch the career of Sam Smith.
A movie with the working title Freedom: George Michael was to be narrated by Michael, featuring Mark Ronson, Tony Bennett, James Corden and Mary J Blige; however there has been no word yet on whether the documentary would be finished or not.
And as 2016 comes to a close, many have said that surely not another great can be taken in the coming days.
Is this year over yet? Too many people are passing away. Rest In Peace, George Michael. ☹️
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 25, 2016