George Michael, the pop superstar and icon of the 1980s and ’90s, died on Sunday, December 25, 2016 provoking an outpouring of fond and grief-stricken reaction from fans around the world, many of them celebrities in their own right.
I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. RIP @GeorgeMichael pic.twitter.com/1LnZk8o82m
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 26, 2016
Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You've found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 25, 2016
The rapper Q-Tip, the singer LeAnn Rimes Cibrian and the actor William Shatner all echoed a frustration shared by many on social media in response to a raft of recent celebrity deaths: The year had claimed yet another respected soul, they lamented.
The actor Rob Lowe and the singer- songwriter Josh Groban, as did many others, praised Mr. Michael’s striking singing voice.
@GeorgeMichael. Words can't express how much you and your music meant and means to me. Please play his music as loud as you can today… pic.twitter.com/ojnEircyQM
— SAM SMITH (@samsmith) December 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/QtipTheAbstract/status/813172032905105417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Another beautiful voice gone too soon. #ripgeorgemichael
— josh groban (@joshgroban) December 26, 2016
I don't have it in me anymore to write about our greats. I just knew one day I'd get to work with #GeorgeMichael. Sad Christmas.
— Plug 5. (@questlove) December 25, 2016
R.I.P George Michael. Beyond sad, you were a legend, and you were far too young. Blasting "Last Christmas" now 🙏
— ONEREPUBLIC (@OneRepublic) December 25, 2016
I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) December 25, 2016
Unbelievable.
RIP George Michael.— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael- this child of the 80s is stunned and so sad- I grew up w you. #GeorgeMichael 😭 pic.twitter.com/Zio4V6FGYl
— Peter Som (@PeterSom) December 25, 2016
Stunned. George Michael. A talented and gentle soul. May you rest in Gods love and Peace 🙏🏿 #RIPGeorgeMichael
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) December 26, 2016
Omg #GeorgeMichael noooo! No No No No No! We have lost too many beautiful souls this year. #rip you will be greatly missed.
— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) December 25, 2016
Is this year over yet? Too many people are passing away. Rest In Peace, George Michael. ☹️
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 25, 2016
George Michael was a kind and gentle soul. #Wham
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 26, 2016
The sun will never go down on the Legend that is George Michael. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/xZf4e144lv
— Ronan Parke (@RonanParke) December 26, 2016
Gay Music Legend #GeorgeMichael Dead at 53: https://t.co/hP5XpYkjgo pic.twitter.com/yvRFF8MGuS
— Out Magazine (@outmagazine) December 26, 2016
My god. Rest in paradise @GeorgeMichael–an icon, an ally, a legend. pic.twitter.com/MfxPVFG0B2
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) December 25, 2016
Hattip to The New York Times.
