Pop singer and ex-WHAM! band member George Michael passed away at 53, his publicist, Cindi Berger, said Sunday. The singer died at home in Goring, England.

Through WHAM!, Michael was known for such ’80s hits as “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” and “Last Christmas.” Michael and his singing partner, Andrew Ridgeley, whom he began working with when the two were only 16, gained notoriety through the band in the ’80s, but much of their popularity was due to Michael’s showmanship and their near-constant presence on MTV.

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Michael’s first solo album, “Faith,” was released in 1987 and sold more than 20 million copies. As a solo artist, he was known for other hits like “Freedom” and “Careless Whisper,” most recently included in the 2016 blockbuster film, “Deadpool.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Michael won two Grammy awards and was nominated eight times. He won numerous other awards, including four MTV Music Video Awards and three American Music Awards.

Michael’s contributions to charity included work to combat AIDS, helping children in need, and fighting for gay rights. He was reported to have sold over 100 million records globally. The cause of death has been reported as heart failure, according to manager Michael Lippman.

“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,” his rep told the BBC through a statement. “The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time.”

Local police told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement that the death was “unexplained but not suspicious.” They said, “A post mortem will be undertaken in due course. There will be no further updates from Thames Valley Police until the post mortem has taken place.”

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