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Disco queen Donna Summer dies after cancer battle

By Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY
Updated

We should all get up and do a dance -- a last dance -- in her honor.

AP reports that the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, died this morning in Florida at age 63.

TMZ says she died after a battle with cancer.

Her family issued a statement saying: "Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith," a family statement said. "While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can't express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time."

Entertainment Tonight says Summer was suffering from lung cancer, which she was diagnosed with 10 months ago.

Summer was a five-time Grammy winner who shot to superstardom in the '70s with iconic hits including Last Dance, Hot Stuff and Bad Girls.

She is survived by her husband, singer and producer Bruce Sudano; their daughters, Brooklyn and Amanda; and Summer's daughter, Mimi, from a previous marriage.

"I was shocked to hear about Donna," says Barbra Streisand in a statement. "She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago. I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented. .. It's so sad."

Said Harry Wayne Casey - KC of KC and the Sunshine Band:

"It's just very sad...she was so young and vibrant.

Donna and I knew each other for a long time, we ran in the same circles and are part of the same generation, and it was something we shared…creating and performing music. Her voice was smooth and comforting, and something I had always wanted to do was a world tour with her, you know, as the Queen and King of Disco.

We are the freshman class in creating music that continues to this day to make people happy, and it has been embraced by every major artist in the industry. It makes you want to get up and dance and forget your troubles for awhile.

We just saw each other several months ago – she was beautiful as ever and her voice as strong as when I met her and we had some great laughs and a stroll down memory lane.

I send my condolences to her husband, Bruce and their family."

Janet Jackson expressed her condolences in a statement, too, saying, "We will miss Donna Summer! She changed the world of music with her beautiful voice and incredible talent."

Some Twitter remembrances:

Gloria Estefan: "Few singers have impacted music & the world like Donna Summer! It's the end of an era. Peace & prayers 2 all who loved her. I will miss her!"

Mary J. Blige: "You were truly a game changer!!!"

William Shatner: "My heart and thoughts go out to the family of Donna Summer."

Kimberley Locke: "R.I.P. Donna Summer, another industry legend who has provided inspiration to many artists over the years."

Alyssa Milano: "I used to do interpretative dance in my living room to Donna Summer's music when I was a little girl. Rest in peace."

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