Donna Summer has died, she was 63.
Summer had been living in Englewood, Fla., with her husband Bruce Sudano.
TMZ first reported the news, noting Summer had died in Florida on Thursday after a long battle with cancer. Insiders told TMZ she was recently working on music for a new album.
Known as the “Queen of Disco,” Summer was born LaDonna Adrian Gaines in Boston, Mass., in 1948, as one of seven children. She was raised on Gospel music
The five-time Grammy winner rose to fame in the 1970s, scoring hits with “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff” and “Bad Girls.” She co-wrote the single “Love to Love You Baby” in 1975, and went on to co-write several other hits, including “She Works Hard For Her Money.”
“Love to Love You Baby” was her U.S. chart debut and the first of 19 No. 1 dance hits between 1975 and 2008 – second only to Madonna.
A statement released by Ms. Summer’s family said, “While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy.”
She is survived by her husband, three daughters and four grandchildren.
