George Michael: World pays tribute to global superstar
8:04 AMGeorge Michael: World pays tribute to global superstar
London (CNN)He was "the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist," Elton John wrote on Instagram, leading tributes to George Michael who died aged 53 on Christmas Day.
The singer is believed to have died from heart failure, his manager Michael Lippman said, according to the UK-based Press Association.
Michael's death, which is being treated as "unexpected but not suspicious" by police, was also confirmed by the singer's family.
Fans have been leaving tributes outside Michael's London residence in Highgate.
"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," said a statement from Michael's family.
In a career spanning four decades, Michael sold over 100 million albums and had 11 UK number ones with songs such as Careless Whisper, Faith, Outside and Freedom! 90.
Flowers and letters have ben left by those visiting Michael's home.
After enjoying early success in the duo Wham! alongside friend Andrew Ridgeley, he built a solo career which catapulted him to further stardom, awards and riches.
Ridgeley, the other half of Wham!, was one of the first to react to the news, tweeting that he was "heartbroken".
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