Donna Summer, the iconic disco singer, has died at the age of 63, after a private battle with cancer.
Her family have confirmed the news in a statement to TMZ website, saying they "are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continue legacy".
According to TMZ.com, Summer was in Florida at the time of her death. They say:
Sources close to Summer tell us ... the singer was trying to keep the extent of her illness under wraps. We spoke to someone who was with Summer a couple of weeks ago ... who says she didn't seem too bad.
And sources close to singer have told TMZ, "Donna believed she contracted the illness by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York".
The Daily Mail reports that the disco queen was keen to keep her illness private from her fans and was battling to finish a new album. Read more here...
Donna Summer was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums at the number one position in the US and was a five time Grammy Award winner.