George Michael, Last Christmas Singer, Dies On Christmas Day

U.K. pop star and ’80s icon George Michael has died at age 53. Known for his songs like “Last Christmas,” with the duo Wham!, the singer died on Christmas day in London.

According to his publicist, George Michael “passed away peacefully at his home.” The family announced his passing in a statement and made no further comments as to the nature of his death.

Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou rose to fame with Wham! with fellow schoolmate Andrew Ridgeley in 1981. Together, they came up with a strong of hits including “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.”

In 1986, George Michael then embarked on a solo career. He released the album “Faith” and “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1,” which on to become chart busters.

Before his death, George Michael had been treated for drug problems and had altercations with police authorities. He was arrested in 2010 for drugs. In 2011, the singer was also hospitalized for pneumonia in which he nearly died.

He was last seen among pop fans in a “Carpool Karaoke” with James Corden for Comic Relief. It was for this reason that the late night host revived the segment on his talk show. Watch the video below.