Breaking News: British Singer and Ex-Wham Star George Michael Dies at 53

According to the BBC, British singer George Michael, most known for his years as part of Wham!, has died at 53 years old, 'peacefully at home. In a statement, the star's publicist said: "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. The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage."

Michael was an English singer, songwriter, and record producer, who rose to fame as a member (with Andrew Ridgeley) of the music duo Wham!. He was best known in the 1980s and 1990s for his style of post-disco dance-pop and has also been characterized as a blue-eyed soul singer. His hit songs included "I'm Your Man," "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go," "Praying For Time," "Careless Whisper," "Faith," and "Freedom 90".

Michael had been recently reported (as of November 2016) as "busy putting the finishing touches to his special documentary film 'Freedom'" with news at the time noting that he had discovered some incredible, unseen archive footage and is shooting additional interviews for the project which was set for a March 2017 release.

Michael sold more than 80 million records worldwide. His 1987 debut solo album, Faith, sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. Michael garnered seven number one singles in the UK and eight number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked Michael the 40th most successful artist on the Billboard Hot 100 Top All Time Artists list.

Michael won numerous music awards throughout his 30-year career, including three Brit Awards-winning Best British Male twice, four MTV Video Music Awards, four Ivor Novello Awards, three American Music Awards, and two Grammy Awards from eight nominations.