British pop legend George Michael, who first rose to fame as one half of the 1980s duo Wham!, has died at the age of 53. His family confirmed his passing in a statement released by Thames Valley Police.

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“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 read.

Police were called to a property in Goring-on-Thames shortly before 2 p.m. on Sunday, where they found the 53-year-old deceased. Authorities described the death as “unexplained but not suspicious.”

George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, became a global phenomenon with Wham!, delivering era-defining hits such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper.” He later embarked on a massively successful solo career, with his 1987 debut album “Faith” selling more than 10 million copies worldwide.

George Michael (25 June 1963 – 25 December 2016) 🕊💖 pic.twitter.com/HWMDgM95kE

— Kerry Brown (@KerryBrown1291) December 25, 2025

Tributes poured in from across the music industry and beyond. Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley said he was “heartbroken.” Elton John remembered him as “the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist.” Singer Bryan Adams tweeted that Michael was “an incredible singer and a lovely human being, far too young to leave us.”

Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, praised Michael as “one of the most beloved pop craftsmen and respected entertainers,” whose talent “had a profound impact on countless entertainers worldwide.”

In 1998, Michael publicly came out as gay in an exclusive CNN interview, stating, “I want to say that I have no problem with people knowing that I’m in a relationship with a man right now.” He later became an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, a legacy acknowledged by pop star Miley Cyrus, who thanked him for his “radical activism in the LGBTQ community.”

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Michael’s career spanned nearly four decades, leaving a lasting imprint on pop music and culture.

-Thailand News (TN)